Co-op completed

Allegheny County Solar and EV Charger Co-op 2022

Open to homeowners and small businesses throughout Allegheny County. A limited number of HAZELWOOD homeowners with low to moderate incomes will be offered free solar installations, while funding lasts.

204 members of 200 member goal

Registration closes on July 31, 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.

Rooftop solar provides a solution to high energy bills. You can make life better for a low-income Pennsylvania family!

Donate Now – Help seven low-income households in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania go solar!

Please visit: www.solarunitedneighbors.org/hazelwood or text “HAZELWOOD” to 44321

How does a co-op work?

Can’t make our info session?

How much does solar cost?

* 2% electricity price increase per year, 10.19 cents/kWh electricity rate, -.5%  panel degradation per year, 1,217 yearly production 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.

What if I can’t afford solar?

We may be able to help! Limited funds are available to provide free 5kw solar installations to homeowners with incomes below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Refer to the finance requirement chart below to see if you may qualify:

If you do qualify, you will be added to a waitlist for a free solar installation. Funds will be allocated to waitlisted homeowners on a first-come-first-served basis when they are ready to sign a contract with the co-op’s solar installer. While we are actively raising money to be able to provide as many free systems as possible, we anticipate that we won’t be able to provide funding to every eligible household on the waitlist.

Allegheny County Solar and EV Charger Co-op Launches

Monday, February 7, 2022

The Allegheny County Solar and EV Charger Co-op is now open to residents of Allegheny County and a limited number of homeowners with low to moderate incomes will be offered free solar installations, while funding lasts..

Spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and family to join the co-op! Pass along our link (www.SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/Allegheny) 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 PAteam@SolarUnitedNeighbors.org if you have any questions.

Allegheny Solar Co-op selects Energy Independent Solar (EIS) to serve group

Thursday, April 7, 2022

The Allegheny Solar and EV Charger Co-op has selected EIS to install solar panels for the 130-member group. Co-op members selected EIS Solar through a competitive bidding process over 3 other firms. They were chosen for their competitive pricing, equipment offerings, system warranty, and local experience. EIS 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.

Co-op launched
March 1, 2022

Upcoming events

Installer selected

Co-op members selected EIS 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

Henry McKay
Pennsylvania 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 am a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Photovoltaic Associate.® 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.

Email me

Partners