Delaware County residents have a new opportunity to bring solar energy to their homes through a partnership with Third Sun Solar, a leading solar energy design and installation company, and OH SUN (Ohio Solar United Neighborhoods), a local non-profit that helps homeowners organize solar co-ops in the state. Third Sun Solar was selected by the co-op through a competitive bidding process over four other firms.
The Delaware County Co-op already has 75 members, according to Geoff Greenfield, founder, Third Sun Solar. He said co-op participants are able to save up to 20 percent discount on their solar panel installation purchase. Greenfield said the co-op concept also creates more structure that ensures a more efficient and effective installation process for residents.
“The co-op process allows us to bring in experts to talk about installation, tax credits, financing and other issues,” Greenfield said. “We find people who take part in the co-ops have much more piece of mind about making the move to solar. It gives people a much easier way to ask questions and ease concerns.”
The Co-op will host an informational session Tuesday, July 12 at the Delaware County District Library, 84 E Winter St, Delaware, at 7 p.m. Families can register for the co-op through August 1, 2016.
“Co-ops are a growing trend across the nation and here in Ohio,” said Luke Sulfridge, program director, OH SUN. “Prices of panels have fallen by half over the last few years. The market has reached economy of scale. This year looks to be a record year for solar panel installations in Ohio, and we hope families in Delaware County will join us to learn more about how accessible solar energy is for homes of any size.”
David Carpenter lives in Delaware, helped organize Tuesday’s meeting and has had solar panels at his home for 10 years.
“It is durable, reliable, and requires no maintenance. Solar power has cut our electric bills to about 10 percent of what they would be without solar. Once the system has paid for itself, the electricity it provides is absolutely free. Going solar isn’t just the right thing to do for the environment, it’s the right choice economically too,” Carpenter said.
Those unable to attend the solar co-op panel discussion can learn more at www.ohsun.org/delaware. They can also email [email protected]. Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Third Sun Solar 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, each participant generally saves up to 20 percent off the cost of their system.
