Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”
That’s a solar co-op! And we’re doing the same thing for EV Charger installations too.
In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:
Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs. We also provide resources if you’re considering installing an EV charger.
A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar or an EV charger.
A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar and EV charger co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.
Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.
Consulta nuestro FAQ para más información sobre la tecnología solar y el proceso de comprar e instalar su sistema solar.
How does a co-op work?
Can’t make our info session?
Watch a recorded session for general information on solar, how co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.
How much does solar cost? How much can you save?
Example pricing shown. Actual co-op pricing will be determined through the installer selection process. Actual system sizing will vary based on customer’s available roof space, electric usage, and budget. Savings based TEP’s TRREST rate and a 10-year per kWh reimbursement rate of $0.0703. Modeling assumes a two percent annual increase in per kWh utility cost, an annual system power degradation value of 0.5 percent, energy production of 1,673kWh/kW/yr, a system orientation of 180 degrees azimuth and 20 degrees of tilt, and energy consumption in the amount of 11,000kWh/yr.
Example pricing shown. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, and other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides the 30 percent federal income tax credit and $1,000 Arizona state income tax credit. Monthly electric savings reflect savings potential at the time of modeling only. Utility rates are subject to change.
2023 Tucson Solar Co-op releases RFP
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
The 46-member Tucson Solar Co-op issued a request for proposals (RFP) to area solar installers on Monday, February 13. Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP and response template here.
Installers must submit their bids by Friday, February 24. The co-op’s selection committee will convene on March 16 to choose one installer to serve the group. More information about that meeting will be shared with the members of the co-op in the coming weeks.
The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will select a single company to complete all 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, members can save up off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.
Co-op launched
January 24, 2023
Upcoming events
Installer selected
Co-op members selected
Icon Power
to be the group's installer through an open and competitive bidding process.
The company is in the process of developing personalized proposals for each co-op participant.
What is the purpose of this project? With the support of a local donor, we are able to provide financial assistance to a limited number of income-qualified homeowners to go solar in the 2023 Tucson Solar Co-op.
Who is eligible to participate? Eligible homeowners must meet the following criteria:
Tucson metro-area resident
Household income at or below 130% Area Median Income (see table below)
Home located in disadvantaged map area (defined below)
Own and occupy the home as a primary residence
Roof of the home is ready for solar and does not require a new roof
How can I sign up? Interested households can sign up on the 2023 Tucson Solar Co-op website. When signing up, select YES when asked if you would like more information about income-eligible assistance. After signing up for the co-op we will send you a short application to complete.
How are participants selected? Applicants will be selected based on criteria from the White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, which uses eight different metrics to identify census tracts that are “overburdened.” Applicants from census tracts who meet the highest number of criteria according to the screening tool will be selected. Should applicants’ scores tie, selection will be made in the order in which applications are received. Applications will be accepted from January 24 (launch of the co-op) until March 9. Selected participants will be notified no later than March 13.
For example, a household in a census tract identified as ‘overburdened’ with 4 out of the 8 criteria met will be prioritized over that of an applicant from a census tract where 1 of the 8 criteria are met. If several households meet the same number of criteria, participants will be selected in the order they are received.
How much assistance is available? We have funding to offer a stipend of up to $7,000 per household for up to 3 households. Systems under 5kW will receive a $5,000 stipend.
How much will I need to pay? Participants will be responsible for paying the difference between the stipend received and the balance owed to the solar installer.
For example, a solar array may cost $15,000. The participant would owe $15,000 minus the $7,000 stipend, or $8,000 toward the installation. The total cost will vary depending on many factors, including energy usage, available roof space and the budget of the participant. The cost will be presented to the participant in a proposal from the co-op’s selected solar installer.
Participants may also be able to take advantage of federal and state solar tax credits to further lower their out-of-pocket costs.
Participants should be aware that the benefit of the tax credits may not be realized until filing the following year’s tax return. Solar United Neighbors is not a tax advisor and strongly encourages participants to seek advice from a tax professional.
Is financing available? Solar United Neighbors will attempt to connect homeowners with appropriate financing options to cover the amount owed by participants. While SUN will share financing options, the decision on financing is up to the homeowners.
How is the solar installer selected? The solar installer will be selected by volunteer co-op members in an open and competitive bidding process facilitated by Solar United Neighbors. The solar installer selected to work the full co-op will also work with participants receiving support in this program.
Income Eligibility Table We are accepting applications for households at or below 130% Area Median Income, as listed below. Adapted from 2022 HUD income limits for the Tucson Metro Area.
As the Arizona Program Director, Adrian leads efforts to expand rooftop solar in the state through solar co-ops, community education, and policy campaigns. He is deeply passionate about solar energy and its ability to lower costs and improve quality of life for Arizona families.
He comes to Solar United Neighbors with a background in public policy and municipal government. Adrian lives in Phoenix and holds a Master of Sustainability Solutions from Arizona State University.
Example pricing shown. Actual co-op pricing will be determined through the installer selection process. Actual system sizing will vary based on customer’s available roof space, electric usage, and budget. Savings based TEP’s TRREST rate and a 10-year per kWh reimbursement rate of $0.0703. Modeling assumes a two percent annual increase in per kWh utility cost, an annual system power degradation value of 0.5 percent, energy production of 1,673kWh/kW/yr, a system orientation of 180 degrees azimuth and 20 degrees of tilt, and energy consumption in the amount of 11,000kWh/yr.
Example pricing shown. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, and other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides the 30 percent federal income tax credit and $1,000 Arizona state income tax credit. Monthly electric savings reflect savings potential at the time of modeling only. Utility rates are subject to change.
