Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of two new solar co-ops to help residents go solar together: the Phoenix Solar Co-op and the Scottsdale Solar Co-op.
“These two co-ops will help more residents of Phoenix and Scottsdale join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for Solar United Neighbors. “Together, we’re building a movement to transform our electricity system into one that is cleaner, fairer, and shares its benefits more broadly.”
This is the first time two co-ops are launching simultaneously in Arizona and is a sign of a strong growing movement for solar co-ops in the state. Homeowners and business owners can sign up for either the Phoenix or Scottsdale co-op group, depending on where they live. Additionally, West Valley residents will be eligible to join the Phoenix group and East Valley residents will be eligible to join the Scottsdale group.
Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive group price. Co-op members will select one company for each co-op to complete the installations in an open bidding process. The co-ops are free to join and members are not obligated to buy solar.
Local partners for the solar co-ops include Physicians for Social Responsibility – Arizona Chapter and Arizona Interfaith Power and Light. The Scottsdale solar co-op is made possible by funding from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation.
“Physicians for Social Responsibility Arizona is proud to co-sponsor the SUN co-ops,” said Barbara Warren, PSR Arizona chapter director. “Solar energy is a very cost-effective and important tool to help reduce health-threatening pollution and our seriously warming climate.”
“People of faith and conscience in Arizona join with St. Francis, the Patron Saint of Ecology, to promote the beauty and power of solar energy: ‘Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!’ Go Solar!” said Reverend Doug Bland, Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Power and Light.
Since 2019, SUN has hosted six solar co-ops in Arizona. According to the group’s estimates, the 135 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 840 kW of solar power, $2.6 million in local solar spending, and more than 15,000 metric tons of lifetime carbon offsets.
SUN will host several free online information sessions to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for one of the co-ops and one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op webpage for Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Free informational webinars are planned for:
- Tuesday, April 6 at 6:00pm AZ/MST: RSVP here.
- Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00pm AZ/MST: RSVP here.
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Minnesota and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at 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.
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