In addition to Montgomery County, members of the Capital Area Solar Co-Op include Washington, D.C.; Arlington and Frederick counties and Falls Church in Virginia; the Montgomery County Town of Poolesville and Maryland cities Bowie, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Rockville and Takoma Park. This is the first year Montgomery County is joining with the other jurisdictions to create the region co-op.
As part of the Capital Area Solar Co-op, Maryland residents chose Solar Energy World as the installer this year. Co-op members of the various jurisdictions are responsible for choosing their own solar installer. This is the fourth consecutive year that members of the Montgomery County Solar Co-Op have chosen Solar Energy World to serve the group. Solar Energy World was selected for its top rating as a residential solar installation company.
“Going solar is not a matter of if, but when,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Capital Area Solar Co-Op is a great model for the country to follow as it provides residents and businesses with the tools to learn more about the technology and the process of installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.”
Through Aug. 31, residents can choose to install solar on their properties. By going through the cooperative, participants can leverage bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and a quality installation. Each homeowner still signs an individual contract that ensures the right system is installed for their home.
Information on registering for the co-op can be found at https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/capital-area-solar-co-op.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our residents and business owners to install solar at a group rate,” said Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Director Adam Ortiz. “The co-op is great way for people who have been thinking about going solar, but do not know how or where to start. With the co-op, people can learn about solar technology with a group who will provide support through every step of the process.”
Solar co-ops are free and by joining, there is no commitment to purchase panels or charging stations. Solar Energy World will provide each co-op member with an individualized proposal based on the group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members save on the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors, a solar nonprofit supporting the Capital Area Solar Co-Op. Since April 1, 2021, more than 80 Montgomery County residents have joined the Capital Area Solar Co-Op.
Over the next few weeks, the Capitol Area Solar Co-Op will be offering free virtual information sessions about financing, incentives and details about solar panels and in-home electric vehicle charging stations. Learn about upcoming information sessions at https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2021/capital-area-solar-co-op/
