Closed to new members

Sarasota Charlotte 2023 Solar Co-op

Residents and small businesses of Sarasota and Charlotte Counties are eligible to join this co-op.

86 members of 100 member goal

Registration closes on December 8, 2023

Join the waitlist

This co-op is funded by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”

That’s a solar co-op!

In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:

Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.

Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.

Consulta nuestro FAQ para más información sobre la tecnología solar y el proceso de comprar e instalar su sistema solar.

How does a co-op work?

Can’t make our info session?

Watch a recorded session for general information on solar, how co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.

English:

Español:

How much does solar cost?

* 2% electricity price increase per year, 14.0 cents/kWh electricity rate, -0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,481 yearly production per 1kW of solar

** Reflects year one average savings – savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase

Sarasota Charlotte 2023 Solar Co-op selects Optimus Energy Solutions to serve group

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The Sarasota Charlotte 2023 Solar Co-op has selected Optimus Energy Solutions to install solar panels for the 57-member group. Co-op members selected Optimus Energy Solutions through a competitive bidding process over 9 other firms. They were chosen for their competitive pricing. Optimus Energy Solutions 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 can save off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Sarasota Charlotte 2023 Solar Co-op issues RFP

Friday, August 11, 2023

The 40-member Sarasota Charlotte 2023 Solar Co-op issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. The co-op is sponsored by: Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Florida Veterans for Common Sense; League of Women Voters of Sarasota County; Sarasota County; Southface Sarasota. The group also announced it will host information meetings to educate the community about solar and the co-op process. To learn details on when and where these meetings will occur, or to register for any of the free meetings, please visit the Events tab of the co-op’s web page.

Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP here.
Bids are due Thursday, August 24 by 5:00 p.m.

The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will select a single company to complete all of the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors. Residents of Sarasota and Charlotte Counties interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page.

Co-op launched

July 20, 2023

Upcoming events

Installer selected

Co-op members selected Optimus Energy Solutions to be the group's installer through an open and competitive bidding process.

The company is in the process of developing personalized proposals for each co-op participant.

Co-op organizer

Julia Herbst

Gulf Coast Program Coordinator

Solar United Neighbors

Hello and thank you for checking out the solar co-op!
Whether you’re just curious about solar, or you’re ready to make the switch now, I’m here to help. I can answer any questions you have about solar. I’ll give you installer-neutral guidance to help you make an informed, confident decision about going solar.
My experience in architecture, community service and environmental education includes energy and resource stewardship. I work throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, helping communities go solar, join together, and fight for energy rights. Solar co-ops are a big part of this work!
I love seeing fellow Floridians harvesting sunshine to lower their electric bills and build a clean, equitable energy system in their communities!
Take a look around the co-op page, and let me know how I can help you today.

Email me