Open to new members

Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op

Residents and small businesses of Hillsborough County are eligible to join this co-op.

23 members of 150 member goal

Registration closes on May 31, 2024

This co-op is funded by The City of Tampa, The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, and Hillsborough County.

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.

English:

Español:

How much does solar cost?

* 2% electricity price increase per year, 15.0 cents/kWh electricity rate, -0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,481 yearly production per 1kW of solar

** Reflects year one average savings – savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase

Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op issues RFP

Thursday, April 4, 2024

The 21-member Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op 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. The co-op is sponsored by: City of Tampa; Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County; Hillsborough County; League of Women Voters of Hillsborough & Pasco County; Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition; Tampa Bay Sierra Club; The CLEO Institute. The group also announced it will host information meetings to educate the community about solar and the co-op process. To learn details on when and where these meetings will occur, or to register for any of the free meetings, please visit the Events tab of the co-op’s web page.

Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP here.
Bids are due Tuesday, April 16 by 5:00 p.m.

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 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, members can save off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors. Residents of Hillsborough County interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page.

Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op Launches

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

The Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op is now open to residents of Hillsborough County.

Spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and family to join the co-op! Pass along our link (www.SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/Hillsborough) so they can sign up as well. If you would like to learn more about our co-op process, the basics of solar, or more information on solar economics check out one of our digital info sessions.  These webinars are live presentations and free to attend. More information and registration can be found under the Events tab on this webpage. Unable to attend one of these? You can view our pre-recorded info session. Please reach out to FLteam@SolarUnitedNeighbors.org if you have any questions.

Co-op launched
February 29, 2024

Upcoming events

May 2, 2024 @ 11:30 AM EDT

Clean Air Fair by Hillsborough County's Environmental Protection Commission

Please join us at the Clean Air Fair, where we will be discussing our Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op! Meet with our ...

May 16, 2024 @ 6:00 PM EDT

Florida Solar 101

Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business.

Co-op seeks installer

The co-op now seeks an installer to serve the group. Installers interested to bid can click to download the RFP and response template.

Co-op organizer

Julia Herbst
Gulf Coast Program Coordinator
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.
My experience in architecture, community service and environmental education includes energy and resource stewardship. I work throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, 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 Floridians 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

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