Yampa Valley residents form solar co-op to go solar together and train new solar workers

Neighbors in Moffat and Routt Counties have formed a solar co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. The group is seeking participants and will host two information meetings March 14 to educate the community about solar and the co-op process.

The solar co-op will also support the training of four Moffat and Rout County residents in solar installation. Solar United Neighbors is partnering with Paonia-based Solar Energy International to provide the training. Participants will receive free classroom and real-world installation training.

Moffat and Routt County residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page. The solar co-op is free to join and joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, Solar United Neighbors will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.

Co-op participants will select a single company to complete all of the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, participants can save off the cost of going solar and have the guidance from the experts at Solar United Neighbors.

The Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Alpine Bank, Colorado Renewable Energy Society, New Energy Colorado, Elkstone Farm, Four M Ranch, Steamboat Flyfisher, and Opera Steamboat are sponsoring the co-op.

Information session details

Thursday, March 14
7:30 a.m.
Wild Goose Coffee at the Granary
198 East Lincoln Avenue
Hayden, Colorado 81639
Click here to RSVP

Thursday, March 14
6 p.m.
Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building
750 East 4th Street
Craig, Colorado 81625
Click here to RSVP