Neighbors in Kent and Queen Anne Counties have formed a solar co-op, leveraging their collective buying power to go solar together and get a discount off the installation price. Started in the spring of this year, the solar co-op has quickly grown to more than 30 members. The co-op has issued a request for proposal from local solar installers with the help of MD SUN. Co-op membership is still open to homes and businesses in the greater Chestertown area through the end of the summer. The Town of Chestertown has worked to recruit members to the co-op.
“Folks are excited about the opportunity to save money with solar,” said Mary Yates, resident of Chestertown and member of the town’s green team. “Members will have the support of the co-op throughout the process. This provides good peace of mind.”
MD SUN is a nonprofit that helps make solar more affordable and accessible. It has worked with more than half a dozen solar co-ops in Maryland. Last year, it helped 86 homes go solar, saving Maryland residents nearly a quarter of a million dollars. MD SUN will provide technical assistance to co-op members as they review all of the bids the group receives, so that the group can make the best decision for its members.
“The benefits of owning your system and reaping all the cost savings through the co-op and its community based program outweigh the initial investment,” said Carey Callahan of Chestertown. “I expect a return on this investment with in several years and then stable energy cost at a fraction of what I spend now.”
Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. MD SUN will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers, and select a single company to complete all of the installations. Co-op members will then have the option to individually purchase panels based upon the installer’s group pricing offer. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, each participant generally saves up to 20% off the cost of their system and has the assistance of MD SUN to help navigate the process.
Kent and Queen Anne County residents interested in joining the co-op can learn more and sign up at the co-op website.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.