Community Power Network (CPN), a national network of local, state and national advocates for renewable energy, has launched its Ohio Solar United Neighborhoods (OH SUN) program. The organization says this new effort builds on the group’s work in Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia; and West Virginia.
CPN promotes the use of solar co-ops to help homeowners switch to solar and works with them through its state SUN programs to educate them about the alternative energy. According to the group, going solar with a co-op saves members up to 20% off the cost of installation on account of the co-op’s bulk buying power. CPN says it has helped communities launch more than 50 co-ops.
OH SUN is launching its first solar co-op effort in Lorain County and working with local partner Oberlin Peoples’ Energy Cooperative to recruit co-op members. Once the group is large enough, OH SUN will solicit bids from area installers. Co-op members then select the bid that is the best fit for the group.
“Ohioans are eager to go solar to save money, take control of their electricity production and create good local jobs,” says Luke Sulfridge, OH SUN program director. “The co-ops facilitate this process by connecting solar installers with educated, eager solar customers.”
