Newly-formed Richmond Solar Co-op seeking members

Residents around Richmond have formed a new solar co-op to encourage more folks to go solar, and at a discount. Spurred by solar advocacy nonprofit VA SUN, the Greater Richmond Solar Co-op aims to help residents save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters.

The group is seeking new members and will host two information meetings. Both will be identical with the aim to educate the community about solar and the co-op process. The first takes place Monday, March 13th at 6:30 PM at the Glen Allen Branch Library located at 10501 Staples Mill Road. The second will happen at the Pamunkey Regional Library located at 201 S. Railroad Avenue in Ashland and is also slated for 6:30 PM.

The organization’s mission is to expand access to solar by educating Virginians about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening Virginia’s solar policies, as well as its community of solar supporters. The group has helped hundreds of residents go solar so far.

“I am excited to work with Richmond residents to educate them about the benefits of solar energy,” VA SUN Program Director Aaron Sutch said in a news release. “If you’ve ever thought about going solar before, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.”

Those interested in learning more can sign up online. Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, VA SUN will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.

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, participants can save almost 20% over traditional purchase and installation rates, the group says.