New solar co-op starts in southeast Ohio

Neighbors in Appalachian Ohio have formed a solar co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. OH SUN is partnering with Appalachian Renewable Energy Consumer Cooperative, Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, Rural Action, and Upgrade Athens to bring a solar co-op to southeast Ohio. The co-op will hold a public information session at the Athens Community Center on September 28 at 6:30 p.m.

The co-op is open to anyone in Athens County and the surrounding counties. Appalachian Ohio residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up at www.OHSUN.org/Appalachian. Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, OH 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.