Cooperative development of solar power generation

What is a solar co-op?

A solar co-op is made up of individuals, businesses, or both, partnering up to meet their shared energy needs and typically receiving bulk discounts. This is not to be confused with community solar, which is defined as any solar project or purchasing program in which the benefits of a single solar array or project flow to multiple customers.

How can community solar transform the energy industry?

Community solar provides a framework to transform the energy industry by combining group ownership, the imperative to decarbonize, and discounts of bulk-purchases, with proven and continually improving technology. Community solar is transforming the energy industry from the bottom-up. However, it is disruptive to the status quo.

Can a solar co-op save money?

Joining together with other people who also want to go solar can result in saved money through the bulk purchase of solar technologies. That’s the logic behind solar cooperatives, or co-ops. A solar co-op is made up of individuals, businesses, or both, partnering up to meet their shared energy needs and typically receiving bulk discounts.

Is community solar development Democratic?

Community solar development through a cooperative may be the most democratic, since member-owners participate in the co-op’s governance and cooperatives are theoretically held accountable by seven cooperative principles, which include democratic control and concern for the community (Manabe 2016; NRECA 2016 ).

Are there other organizations that facilitate solar co-ops?

In addition to Solar United Neighbors, there are several other organizations that facilitate solar co-ops, like Solarize and Solar Crowd Source. Solar co-ops enable members to easily learn about all aspects of solar in partnership with their fellow co-op members.

What are the benefits of a solar co-op?

Here are some of the most common benefits of using a solar co-op: Responsive to local needs – Solar co-ops provide members peace of mind because they’re not going through the process alone. Co-ops respond to the needs of the community, working with municipal governments to streamline and improve permitting processes.