Co-Op Looks to Jump Start Solar in Manatee County

The League of Women Voters grew tired of waiting for the state or utility companies to leverage the power of solar in the Sunshine State. In 2016, the LWV of Florida partnered with a group to replicate its program that had been helping communities in other states form solar co-ops in order to make the process more simple and cost effective. Solar United Neighbors of Florida launched its 21st chapter this week in Manatee Countyand is hoping that our community becomes a vital part of its rooftop revolution.

The grass roots program goes back to 2007, when two 12-year-old boys in Washington D.C. wanted to go solar after learning about the role of carbon emissions in climate change. Their parents were initially overwhelmed by the cost and complications of having solar panels installed but thought that if they could pool resources with like-minded neighbors to buy at bulk prices they could not only make it affordable, but also have a much bigger impact in terms of reducing emissions.

The program was a success and was soon being replicated in other communities and states. With both the tremendous advances in solar panel efficiency and the steep reduction in cost that's occured since, the model is even more cost effective, while having an even greater impact. As the groups continue to prove that solar co-ops can be effective, replicable, and scalable–even in places like Florida where the state government and Big Utilities have forcefully resisted clean power–a transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewables is beginning to seem inevitable.

In terms of the impacts of climate change, few places in the world have been put in a more precarious position than Florida, where 95 percent of the population resides within 5 miles of the coastline as sea level rise continues to accelerate. That also means few people have more incentive to make commitments toward lifestyles that can help mitigate the worst effects of climate change than we do.

If you're interested in joining the co-op, you can sign up nowat no cost through April, when the group will close to new members. Once a member, there is no timeline or even obligation to by solar panels. However, if you determine that your home is a good candidate, you'll have access to the co-op pricing that will be set after the group negotiates prices through bids from local solar retail/installation outfits. The chosen firm will meet with group members, assess their property, and help them to decide whether it's a good fit.

Sarasota's co-op started a year ago and has reported good results, with some homes paying no more than the $9 connection fee on their utility bill some months because of the effectiveness of the solar panels on their property.

The Manatee co-op will hold information sessions on Wednesday, January 24, at the Central Library; Tuesday, February 20 at at Lakewood Ranch YMCA; and Thursday, March 22, at the Braden River Library. All sessions start at 6 p.m. Check one out to hear more information about why solar co-ops have become a popular, cost-effective option, or visit the co-op webpage here.