First two solar co-ops launch in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade residents have formed solar co-ops to save money and simplify the installation of solar power, while building a powerful network of solar supporters. Co-op members work together to learn about solar energy and solicit bids from local installers to serve the group. Working together, co-op members are able to save up to 20% off the cost of installing solar through this bulk purchase process.
Partners in this effort include: The League of Women Voters, Florida, League of Women Voters Miami-Dade, The Green Corridor Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) District, Tropical Audubon Society, Rise Up Florida, CLEO Institute, Citizens Climate Lobby, Sustainable Miami, Resilient Miami, Urban Impact Lab, Unitarian Universalists Congregation of Miami , Women’s March Miami, Commissioner Ken Russell’s office and FL SUN.
The partnership looks to develop six solar co-ops over the next year. It is starting with two co-ops, one in Central Miami – North and the other in Central Miami – South. These co-ops launched with a May 24 press conference at South Miami City Hall.
Miami-Dade residents interested in joining a solar co-op in their area can sign up at www.flsun.org/miami. Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, FL SUN will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.
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, participants can save up to 20% off the cost of their system.
The co-ops will host free solar information meetings as each co-op launches to educate the community about solar and the co-op process.
Central Miami – North co-op information session
May 31, 7:00 p.m.
City of Miami City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Fl 33133
Central Miami – South co-op information session
June 1, 7:00 p.m.
Pinecrest Community Center
5855 SW 111th Street
Pinecrest, FL 33156