Solar celebrations abound in Sunshine State

By Julia Herbst on April 12, 2019
Two and four-legged solar supporters come together to celebrate in the Upper Keys.

We swapped solar production graphs and savings stories. We toasted the hard work of our partners and volunteers. We laughed and learned through solar trivia.  These are some of the festivities of a solar co-op celebration and the Sunshine State started 2019 with lots of stellar fun! Over the past month we’ve celebrated with five different solar co-ops, from the Upper Keys to the Panhandle.

These celebrations are local and grassroots, like the solar co-ops that precede them. Some occur at a neighbor’s house, some feature a donation to a local charity, others are at a solar-powered brewery. All are community gatherings for the growing solar movement where we unwind, share hopes, and a toast Florida solar.

“It was great to celebrate with homeowners and hear about their lowered electric bills, said Jody Finver, South Florida Program Coordinator. “Even nicer was meeting newcomers curious to learn more – about solar co-ops, our membership program, and how solar not only can help reduce an electric bill but can allow you to run a car on sunshine.”

In Tallahassee, heart of the Leon County Solar Co-op, Program Associate Heaven Campbell joined solar homeowners and a team of volunteer superstars representing our leading organizations. “Sometimes we get to celebrate more than rooftop solar – like partner birthdays and Tallahassee’s recent commitment to 100% renewable energy.”

We closed the quarter in the Sunshine City of St Petersburg, home of the Solar United Neighbors’ first Florida co-op in 2016. This party wrapped three highly successful co-ops into an All Seasons Solar Bash, celebrating 145 homeowners who installed solar and the many friendships built through the process. New and prospective solar homeowners, champion volunteers and installers mingled with committed municipal leaders who supported the work.

“Parties provide community leaders firsthand feedback from the citizens and businesses impacted by their policies,” said Julia Herbst, who facilitated the Manatee and St Petersburg groups. St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman recognized the strength of the teamwork with a celebratory post to Solar in St Pete.

If you were a part of the Citrus, Highlands, Orange County East or Orange County West Solar Co-ops your party is on the horizon, cheers!