Co-op completed

Tucson 2020 Solar Co-op

The Tucson Solar Co-op was to residents and businesses in the Tucson metro area.

168 members of 100 member goal

Registration closes on July 31, 2020

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.

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?

Pricing chart

Savings assumptions: $3.00/W installation price for 6.8kW system [pre-tax credits], $3.15/W installation price for 3.4kW system [pre-tax credits], 1.2% annual electricity price increase, $0.0868/kWh solar buyback rate from TEP, customer on TEP’s Residential TOU rate plan, 0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,600kWh yearly production per 1kW of solar, savings projections vary based on when energy is consumed from TEP and how much solar energy is exported to the grid.

Tucson Solar Co-op selects Technicians For Sustainability to serve group

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Tucson, AZ – Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced today that its Tucson Solar Co-op has selected Technicians for Sustainability (TFS) to install solar panels for the 120-member group. Co-op members chose TFS through a competitive bidding process over four other Arizona solar providers.

“TFS is honored to be selected for the SUN program,” said Kevin Koch, chief executive officer and co-owner of TFS. “Our mission is to power our community with clean energy, and as a cooperative ourselves, we look forward to collaborating with Tucson Solar Co-op members, and bringing more solar to Tucson.”

Co-op members selected TFS because of its expertise in the industry, reputation in the Tucson community, and capacity to work with the large number of co-op member households.

“The preparation and background work presented by several committee members during the discussion helped test and ultimately supported my own solar energy plans,” said Jon Norenburg, a  co-op member and volunteer on the selection committee.

SUN expands access to solar by educating Arizona residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping to organize group solar installations, strengthening solar policies and building a community of solar supporters. The organization held several public informational webinars in June and July, to educate the Tucson community about solar and the co-op process.

Local partners of the Tucson Solar Co-op include the Center for Biological Diversity, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Mrs. Green’s World, and Tucson 2030 District. Partners help to promote the co-op in the community.

“I was thrilled to learn that the co-op chose a locally-owned, employee-owned, community-building organization as its solar provider,” said Gina Murphy-Darling, founder and chief executive officer of Mrs. Green’s World. “They have an outstanding reputation in our city, and I am sure they will meet or exceed expectations.”

The co-op is open to new members until July 31. Tucson residents interested in joining the co-op can learn more and sign up at www.solarunitedneighbors.org/Tucson.

Co-op launched
May 27, 2020

Upcoming events

Installer selected

Co-op members selected Technicians For Sustainability 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.

Co-op organizer

Bret Fanshaw
Arizona Program Director
Solar United Neighbors

Hello and thank you for checking out the solar co-op!
 

Whether you’re just curious about solar, or you’re ready to make the switch now, I’m here to help. I can answer any questions you have about solar. I’ll give you installer-neutral guidance to help you make an informed, confident decision about going solar.
 

I have been a solar policy and environmental advocate in Arizona for more than a decade. I work throughout Arizona, helping communities go solar, join together, and fight for energy rights. Solar co-ops are a big part of this work!
 

I love seeing fellow Arizonans harvesting sunshine to lower their electric bills and build a clean, equitable energy system in their communities!
 

Take a look around the co-op page, and let me know how I can help you today.

Email me

Partners