Solar Co-op Launches for Florida Keys Residents, Highlighting a Resilient, Sustainable Community

​Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the Florida Keys 2023 Solar Co-op launch to help Monroe County residents go solar. The co-op will enable Monroe County homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power. The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Monroe County. Co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and top quality with group discounts.
 
After a vendor-neutral competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.
 
“This is all about a renewable energy source. We are the sunshine state after all,” said Rhonda Haag, Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer. “Solar is one way that consumers can build more resilient communities.”
 
The nonprofit hosted 77 solar co-ops in Florida since 2015 and one in the Florida Keys in 2020. According to the group’s estimates, the 2,341 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent more than 698.7 million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets. Many Florida Keys residents participated in 2020, including Key West residents Roger and Cindy McVeigh, who now have a system that supports 65 percent of their electricity usage. “Whether you want to learn or pursue a solar investment, this process exceeded all our expectations. We were up and running in just seven months,” they said.
 
SUN will host several free 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 at SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/Keys.
 
Information meetings:
 

• Monday, Jan. 30, 6-7:30 p.m. Virtual Florida Solar 101 Webinar: Register here
• Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6-7:30 p.m. In-person Florida Keys Co-op Info Session at City of Key West City Hall, 1300 White Street Register here
• Tuesday, February 28, 6-7:30 p.m. Virtual Florida Solar 101 Webinar: Register here

 

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