Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced today the launch of the 2nd Annual Tucson Solar Co-op to help Tucson area residents go solar. Building on the success of the 2020 group campaign, this year’s co-op hopes to expand access to solar by supporting a limited number of income-qualified installations.
“The co-op will enable Tucson homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for Solar United Neighbors. “We are also blessed this year to have the support of a local donor to help a few income-qualified families go solar and reduce their electric bills.”
Learn about solar energy
The 2021 Tucson Solar Co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in the Tucson area. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive rate. Local solar installers will have the opportunity to bid to be selected by the co-op. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar.
Last year, the 2020 Tucson Solar Co-op grew to 168 household members. Of those, 61 co-op members installed a total of 435 kW of solar. Overall, the group invested $1.2 million in the local clean energy economy.
The local partners for the 2021 Tucson Solar Co-op include Physicians for Social Responsibility – Arizona Chapter, Sustainable Tucson, and Sierra Club – Grand Canyon Chapter.
This co-op also has additional funding to support a limited number of solar installations for low-to-moderate income households. Those who believe they qualify for financial support should indicate this when signing up for the co-op.
Since 2019, SUN has hosted 8 solar co-ops in Arizona. According to the group’s estimates, the 237 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 1.7 MW of solar power, $5.2 million in local solar spending, and more than 70.1 million lbs. of lifetime (25-year) 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 the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page.
Informational webinars are planned for:
Wednesday, October 27
Tuesday, November 9
Tuesday, December 7
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Arizona 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.
