Pretty Cool: A group in Arlington has started a solar co-op! From their website:
‘Community members across the greater Arlington area have formed a solar co-op! Based in Arlington, but open to residents of Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County, the Greater Arlington Solar Co-op welcomes homeowners from across the region. Co-op members can save up to 20% off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow co-op members and VA SUN throughout the process.
The Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment(ACE) have partnered with VA SUN to organize the Greater Arlington Solar Co-op.
How does the solar co-op work?
The group is open to residents and businesses in the greater Arlington area (including Alexandria and Fairfax County). The group is facilitated by VA SUN and supported by community partners.
Based on the same principle as buying in bulk, co-op members purchase solar systems together to save money and share knowledge. The group uses a competitive bidding process to select a single company that will install systems on all of the participating homes. Each participant signs his or her own contract with the installer, but everyone gets the bulk discount.
By going solar as a group we can save up to 20% off the cost of a solar system. You’ll also have the support of the group instead of navigating an often-complicated process alone. VA SUN is supporting the group effort. The group will complete the following process to ensure a smooth and organized experience for everyone involved’
– (http://www.vasun.org/greater-arlington/)
There are meetings Wednesday May 10th and Thursday May 11th for anyone interested, at the Navy League Building.