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.
How does a co-op work?
Can’t make our info session?
How much does solar cost?
*2% electricity price increase per year, 17.2 cents/kWh electricity rate, -.5% panel degradation per year, 1,217 yearly productions per 1kW of solar, does not include solar renewable energy credits.
** reflects year one average savings – savings will grow each year as electricity costs increase
Can I finance my solar?
Not sure if you can avoid the upfront cost of solar? Check out our financing page to learn about the loans that may be available to you, including some that are exclusive to solar co-op members.
Solar United Neighbors is working to help low-income households in Allegheny County own a rooftop solar system this year.
The families that can least afford a rooftop solar system often have the highest monthly energy bills. But everyone should have access to clean energy regardless of income.
You can make life better for a low-income Pennsylvania family!
Thanks to generous local philanthropic donors, we’ve already raised $111,500, but we know there is a need for far more solar than we can currently fund. If you can help us raise the remaining $25,000, we can leverage every dollar to help 8 low- or moderate-income Pittsburgh homes become solar homeowners.
To Donate by Mail Make your check or money order payable to “Solar United Neighbors.” Write “Allegheny LMI Solar Project” in the memo portion, and mail your donation to the following address:
Solar United Neighbors Attn: Development Dept. – Allegheny LMI Solar Project 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 412 Washington, DC 20036
Create a Personal Fundraising Page & Raise Donations from Family, Friends, and Associates to support our work to fund low-income solar projects In Allegheny County – Creating your page is easy and quick! To get started, click the “I Want To Fundraise For This” button under the large photo on this page.
Donate via Donor-Advised Fund – If you have a donor-advised fund set up with Fidelity Charitable®, Schwab Charitable®, or the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund®, you can easily jumpstart the process now. Click here.
30% credit (up to $4,000) toward the purchase of a qualified used electric vehicle or fuel cell vehicle costing $25,000 or less
The credit is available to individuals and is nonrefundable
Your modified adjusted gross income may not exceed:
$150,000 for married filing jointly or surviving spouse
$112,500 for heads of household
$75,000 for all other filers
The vehicle must have a sale price of $25,000 or less, have a model year at least 2 years earlier than the calendar year when you buy it, have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh
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’m a renewable energy advocate who started with SUN by researching solar policy solutions. My background in chemistry drives my passion for solar technology. I work throughout Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvanians 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.