Closed to new members

Pinellas 2022 Solar Co-op

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

200 members of 200 member goal

Join the waitlist

Co-op closes to new members on December 16, 2022

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, 11.40 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

Pinellas 2022 Solar Co-op selects May Electric Solar to serve group

Thursday, October 27, 2022

The Pinellas 2022 Solar Co-op has selected May Electric Solar to install solar panels for the 100-member group. Co-op members selected May Electric Solar through a competitive bidding process over 3 other firms. They were chosen for their equipment offerings, pricing, and system warranty. May Electric Solar 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 off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Extension for the Pinellas 2022 Solar Co-op RFP

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

With Hurricane Ian slated to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, we are thinking of our Florida neighbors as they begin their storm preparations and those who are being forced to evacuate their homes.

With the safety of our solar family in mind, we are extending the bid submission deadline for our Pinellas 2022 Solar Co-op to next Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Please note that the attached RFP document has been updated to reflect recent signup numbers.

View the RFP here.

View the response template here.

For continued storm updates and planning resources, please visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at floridadisaster.org or follow their Twitter and Facebook.

Be prepared and stay safe.

Pinellas 2022 Solar Co-op issues RFP

Thursday, September 15, 2022

The 46-member Pinellas 2022 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 Clearwater; City of Dunedin; City of Largo; City of Safety Harbor; City of St. Petersburg; League of Women Voters of North Pinellas County; League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area; Southern Alliance for Clean Energy; Suncoast Sierra Club. 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 and response template.
Bids are due Wednesday, September 28 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 Pinellas County interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page.

Co-op launched

September 8, 2022

Upcoming events

Installer selected

Co-op members selected May Electric Solar 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

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