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?
Webinar – Financing Your Solar System
Learn more about how to finance the upfront costs of your solar system.
Webinar – Going Solar in Denver: Personal Experiences and Opportunities
This online panel discussion features homeowners and non-profit and government representatives who discuss what going solar means to them.
Webinar – Solar Information Session
How much does solar cost? How much can you save?
*Example pricing only. Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Xcel Energy customer consuming 7,601kWh/yr on RE-TOU rate schedule, 1,613 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar, 180 degrees of azimuth, 20 degrees of tilt, 0.5%/yr system degradation rate, 2%/yr annual utility escalation rate.
**Example pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, & other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides 26% tax credit. Reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase.
2022 Denver Solar Co-op selects Photon Brothers and BecauseSolar to serve group
Thursday, September 1, 2022
The 2022 Denver Solar Co-op has selected Photon Brothers and BecauseSolar to install solar panels for the 200-member group. Co-op members selected both installers through a competitive bidding process.
Co-op members selected both installers based on their competitive pricing, quality components, and success in serving past co-ops.
The co-op is currently closed to new members but is accepting members for the waitlist. The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels.
Both installers will provide each co-op member with an individualized proposal based on their group rate. By going solar as a group, members can save off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.
2022 Denver Solar Co-op reaches 200-member limit
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
It’s clear the word has gotten around: in under three weeks our fourth Denver Solar Co-op reached its limit of 200 members with dozens more signing up for our waitlist!
The excitement is contagious as we celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (allowing solar customers to take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit!) and our member-led selection committee chose two installers to serve our first two 100 member cohorts of the program. We will announce their selection in the coming week as we finalize our paperwork.
We will be working closely with the City and County of Denver and our selected installers to support our members over the coming months to make sure all our members will receive a proposal. Those who want to proceed can sign their contract and get their installation scheduled.
In addition, we’re working with our members in support of our Denver Solar Equity Rebate where up to 30 households who are below 100% area median income will qualify for a $8,000 rebate. Let’s say you install a 4kW solar system for $12,000. This means you will only need to pay $4,000 out-of-pocket. You will then receive $3,600 back when you file your taxes, making the total cost for your solar system just $400. Please note the cost of the project and associated savings will vary per household. You can learn more about the solar equity rebatehere.
We ask for patience from our members as we move forward with deploying this year’s program and support our two selected installers and those who have qualified for the Energy Equity Rebate. Do reach out to us if you have any questions or feedback! You can email our team at coteam@solarunitedneighbors.org.
Thank you for being a member and for your support.
Sincerely,
Bryce and the SUN Team
2022 Denver Solar Co-op releases RFP, announces info sessions
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
The 62-member Denver Solar Co-op today issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency is sponsoring the co-op. The group will host a launch event on Wednesday, July 20 at 5:30pm at the Posner Center for International Development (with a virtual attendance option) to educate the community about solar and the co-op process. The group will also host an information session on Tuesday, August 2 at 5:30pm at Cheluna Brewing Company.
Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP and response template here. Denver residents who interested in joining the co-op can sign up on the co-op’s webpage.
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
June 27, 2022
Upcoming events
Installer selected
Co-op members selected
Photon Brothers
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 2022 Denver Solar Co-op is making going solar more affordable than ever. Through our rebate program and other financing options, qualified families could start saving on their electric bills immediately after installation with no out-of-pocket cost.
CHECK REBATES: You might qualify for an $8,000 rebate or support for additional home energy improvements if your household makes less than 100% of area median income. Click here to see Denver’s 2022 Income Limits.
JOIN THE CO-OP: If you want to see what going solar means for you, sign up for the co-op and be sure to indicate if you believe you’re eligible for income-qualified support. We’ll keep you updated as the co-op moves forward. This process can take several months.
REGISTER FOR THE REBATE PROGRAM: Fill out this form to learn more and find out if you qualify. After you fill out the form, we’ll be in touch with next steps. This process may take several weeks.
DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY: After your registration is processed, you will be invited to provide your information to the City and County of Denver through a secure online form. Once the city verifies your eligibility, Solar United Neighbors will be notified and your rebate will be applied to your solar proposal.
City Rebate Program
Offered by the City and County of Denver, the Solar Equity Rebate Program helps address the significant barriers of accessibility to solar for low-to-moderate income households.
This program offers qualifying households $8,000 off their solar system. To qualify, households must make less than 100% of area median income (AMI). For a family of four, that’s less than $117,200 per year of combined income.
The program is limited to the first 30 households who qualify. The rebate is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify applicants and provide a notification here once this year’s funding is allotted. System size cannot be larger than 7kW or exceed 110% of 12-month history of electricity use.
Residents interested in additional cost savings can be connected to non-profit programs that support income-qualified energy efficiency through the Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement (D-ONE).
Energy Resource Center Weatherization Program
Households under 80% AMI may also qualify for the Energy Resource Center Weatherization Program’s free energy assessment, energy upgrades, and solar installation.
Solar Equity Loan (from the Colorado Clean Energy Fund)
Colorado Clean Energy Fund is now offering a special financing opportunity for SUN Colorado solar co-op members called the Solar Equity Loan. CCEF is able to assist participating solar co-op members with low-cost financing for rooftop solar and battery storage.
If qualified, solar co-op members can combine this financing product with the city’s rebate program.
All Denver residents, including those who qualify for the $8,000 rebate, automatically qualify for 4.99% APR.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Owner occupied, single-family residential units.
Homeowners earning less than 100% of the area median income, adjusted for household size.
Borrowers must be a member of the 2022 Denver Solar Co-op.
In addition to this opportunity, check out other financing options we have identified for our members.
Co-op organizer
Tanner Simeon-Cox
Tanner is excited to build community and create change as Solar United Neighbors’ Colorado Program Associate. Through his background in education and community organizing, Tanner is driven to build power with communities toward justice, liberation, and a democratic energy system that works for everyone. Tanner’s East Tennessee roots and time spent in Chicagoland have deeply influenced his passion for bridging often alienated rural and urban communities, and he is excited to bring that passion to SUN.
Tanner is based in Colorado Springs with his wife Hannah. In his free time, you can find Tanner reading, hiking, or teaching his nephews how to sing “Rocky Top.”
Questions? Email me at coteam@solarunitedneighbors.org.
