Huntington residents forming solar co-op to go solar together, get a discount

Neighbors in Huntington have formed a solar co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, the Marshall University Sustainability Department, the League of Women Voters, WV SUN, and OH SUN are the co-op sponsors. The group is seeking members and will host an information meeting on Monday, February 6, 5:30 p.m. It will be held at Explorer Academy, 2901 Saltwell Road in Huntington. The group is open to residents on both sides of the Ohio River.

Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, WV SUN will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.

Co-op members will select a single company to complete all 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 generally save up to 20% off the cost of their system.