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!
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.
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.
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 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.
Can’t make our info session?
Watch our most recent session from May 2 for general information on solar, how co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.
How does a co-op work?
How much does solar cost? How much can you save?
Installer selected for the Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op
Friday, June 30, 2023
The 2023 Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op has selected Sunny Energy to install solar panels for the more than 100 member group. Co-op members selected Sunny Energy through a competitive bidding process over nine other firms. The co-op has also extended its deadline to July 21.
“Having the chance to serve on the co-op selection committee was very informative, and choosing Sunny Energy for our residential solar installations was the highlight of the process!” said Warren Norgaard, a 2023 Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op member who participated in the installer selection process. “Their remarkable expertise and dedication to sustainability promise a brilliantly bright and eco-friendly future for our community. Without the solar co-op, I might have delayed going solar for years to come.”
Co-op members selected Sunny Energy because of their competitive pricing, wide selection of high-quality equipment, performance guarantee, and local experience, among other factors.
“We’re excited to be selected by the members of SUN’s 2023 Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op,” said Chris Wood, co-owner of Sunny Energy. “We started Sunny Energy to provide Arizona homeowners with a better way to go solar and we’re grateful for this opportunity to assist our neighbors on their solar journey. We’re also excited to be working with SUN, who is pushing the industry in the right direction by giving the power back to homeowners. This was exemplified in their homeowner-review process.”
Thanks to a partnership with the City of Phoenix, this year’s co-op is also supporting low-to moderate-income households who do not have the financial resources to go solar on their own.
Funding is still available to help 8 families install a 6kW rooftop solar system (a standard household system size) at no cost.
The solar co-op is free to join and joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Sunny Energy will provide each co-op member with an individualized proposal based on the group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save on the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.
Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Arizona residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening Arizona’s solar policies and its community of solar supporters.
The co-op is now open to new members until July 21. Phoenix area residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up at solarunitedneighbors.com/PhoenixMetro.
Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op releases RFP
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
The 38-member Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers on Monday, May 15. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP and response template here.
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
April 7, 2023
Upcoming events
Installer selected
Co-op members selected
Sunny Energy
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.
The Phoenix Solar Energy Assistance Program is designed to make solar more affordable for families who do not have the financial resources to install solar on their own.
The City of Phoenix, in partnership with Solar United Neighbors (SUN), has financial assistance available for up to 10 families to install a 6kW rooftop solar system (standard home size) at no cost.
Through this program, you could start saving on your monthly electric bill immediately after installation with no out-of-pocket cost.
Here are the program steps:
Read program qualifications. If you aren’t sure if you qualify, please email us! We are happy to help. Qualified households or individuals must:
Reside in Phoenix
Have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; see table below.
Have a roof that is a good site for solar. (Unsure if your roof is considered a good site? Reach out, we can help! Or read our Tips page.)
Be located in a Justice 40 census tract map area identified as “overburdened” (see map below).
Sign up for the Solar United Neighbors group solar program, known as the Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op. When signing up, make sure to indicate your interest in the “Phoenix Solar Assistance Program.” The solar co-op is a group buying program that provides free assistance to members in the process of installing solar on their homes.
Complete the Solar Energy Assistance application to be evaluated for program eligibility. City of Phoenix staff will contact each participant to verify income.
If determined eligible and selected to participate, sign a Participant Agreement Form with Solar United Neighbors.
Participate in selecting the solar installer (optional).
Meet with the solar installer and receive a custom proposal for a 6kW rooftop solar system for your home.
Sign a contract with the installer. SUN will pay the installer directly. No funds will be transferred to or from the homeowner.
Agree to a site visit at your home with the installer to confirm that your home is ready for a solar installation.
If approved, installation will occur 3-6 months after contract signing. Installer will take care of all paperwork related to permitting and utility interconnection.
Receive a free independent solar system inspection conducted by SUN.
Turn on your solar system and enjoy clean energy from the sun AND instant savings!
White House Environmental Justice Screening Tool (i.e. “Justice 40 Map). Shaded areas within the city of Phoenix will be considered. Explore the map here.
Co-op organizer
Adrian Keller
Arizona Program Director
Solar United Neighbors of Arizona
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.
