Indianapolis residents forming solar co-op to go solar together, get a discount
Neighbors in Indianapolis have formed a solar co-op to save money and make going solar easier, with the help of nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Solarize Indiana, Citizens Action Coalition, Earth Charter Indiana, Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, Hoosier Environmental Council, the Hoosier Electric Vehicle Association, and the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP are sponsoring the co-op.
“Indianapolis is already a community in which solar energy is being welcomed: the IND solar farm at Indianapolis International Airport remains the largest airport solar array in the world,” said Director of the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability Katie Robinson at Monday’s co-op launch event. “Our office and our city are therefore delighted to be a partner of this event, welcoming community action and the innovation of this step forward.”
Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Hoosiers about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening Indiana solar policies and its community of solar supporters.
“I am excited to work with Indianapolis residents to educate them about the benefits of solar energy,” said Zach Schalk, Solar United Neighbors of Indiana Program Director. “If you’ve ever thought about going solar before, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.”
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 can save up off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group participants and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.
Indianapolis homeowners interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page. The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, Solar United Neighbors will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.
Solar United Neighbors has supported nearly 200 solar co-ops around the country, helping more than 3,600 homes and small businesses install solar energy systems and investing $73 million into their local economy. These co-ops are a part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar as the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment and advocate for fair solar policies.
Information session details
Thursday, May 2nd, 2019
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pike Township Building
5565 Lafayette Road
Indianapolis, IN 46254
Click here to RSVP