What Is A Solar Co-Op?
If you’ve ever shopped at a locally owned grocery store there’s a chance that it was actually a co-op; a group of people who came together to utilize their skills to make a profit and serve their community. The idea of a co-op is usually good. And if you’re a Florida resident, you may hear this word in the context of solar energy.
A Solar Co-Op
But residents of the state can’t open a solar power store, so what exactly is a solar co-op and how can it serve you? The idea is actually pretty simple and does rely on some business skills in order to meet a common objective.Members of a solar co-op are usually homeowners integrating solar energy systems into their homes. But might find it to be too expensive, too time-consuming, or that there’s too much red tape for them to want to deal with. When a group of solar enthusiasts comes together, they can often get great pricing by purchasing panels in bulk for a large number of homes, and can even influence local legislation.
Other types of solar co-ops are geared more toward those who live in an apartment or rent the home they’re in, and while they still want to make an environmental difference, they don’t have the same resources as a homeowner. These co-ops tend to engage in activities like a solar garden, where they all contribute to the installation and maintenance, and in turn, receive energy credits on their utility bills.
If you’re interested in solar energy and want to find more like-minded people, contact a co-op in your area to find out how you can make changes toward reducing your carbon footprint.