Community Power Network expands efforts to Florida

Today Community Power Network (CPN), an organization that helps people take control of their energy, announced the opening of its FL SUN program. This new effort builds off of the organization’s work in the mid-Atlantic region. FL SUN is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVF) and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to promote solar co-ops and strengthen the state’s community of solar supporters.
“We’re excited to bring solar to the sunshine state,” said CPN Executive Director Anya Schoolman. “FL SUN will educate and engage Floridians to unlock the state’s solar potential.”

CPN pioneered the use of solar co-ops to help homeowners go solar. It works with homeowners through its state SUN programs to educate them about solar. Going solar with a co-op saves members up to 20% off the cost of installation by using the co-op’s bulk buying power. CPN has helped communities launch more than 75 co-ops and in the process helped more than 1,200 homes go solar.

“I look forward to working across the state to strengthen Florida’s solar community,” said Angela DeMonbreun, FL SUN Program Director. “If you’ve ever thought about going solar, now is a great time to do so.”

FL SUN is launching its first solar co-ops in Orange County and the St. Petersburg area. It is also working with the LWVF on that organization’s YES/NO campaign on the two upcoming solar ballot measures. The campaign will urge voters who support solar to vote YES in August on Amendment Four, and NO in NO-Vember on Amendment One.

Amendment Four would eliminate property taxes on solar for small businesses. Amendment One would cement utility control of solar energy, slowing its adoption and eliminating marketplace competition.