Houston residents can now join a citywide “solar co-op.” The method allows residents to order solar panels as a part of a bulk purchase which reduces the price of both the panels and installation while also securing the lowest possible electricity rate.
“Bulk buy programs like this will help our city meet our energy transition goals and grow local investment in renewable and resilient energy,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a news conference April 21.
The city of Houston partnered with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to facilitate the program. The organization serves as a liaison between homeowners who wish to join the co-op and solar panel companies looking for customers interested in discounts offered through a group order. Solar United Neighbors also vets companies for quality of service. Prospective members have until July 31, 2021 to join the citywide co-op. Anyone who joins is not obligated to purchase solar panels but maintains the ability to do so in the future at the same group rate that the co-op secures, according to a city news release about the initiative.
Residents interested in joining the citywide co-op can attend upcoming information sessions.
