FLAGSTAFF — The city of Flagstaff, city of Sedona, and Coconino County, the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Northern ArizonaSolar Co-op to help area residents go solar.
“The co-op will enable northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for SUN. “Together, we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits households and small businesses in the community.”
The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Flagstaff, Sedona, Coconino County, and surrounding northern Arizona communities. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a discounted group price.
Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.
After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. SUN provides guidance on the process but remains vendor neutral, empowering the co-op members to decide.
The county and municipal governments are partnering with SUN on the co-op to help residents go solar and meet local climate and sustainability goals.
“The city of Flagstaff is excited to partner with and welcome Solar United Neighbors to our region,” said Mayor Paul Deasy. “We are confident that the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op will help make the process of owning a rooftop solar system more accessible and affordable for interested homeowners and businesses in our community.”
“The city of Sedona is committed to both modeling sustainable practices and helping our residents to make sustainable choices in their homes and businesses,” said McKenzie Jones, sustainability coordinator for the city of Sedona. “By joining the solar co-op and installing solar panels, Sedona residents can help to reduce harmful emissions, increase energy security, and save money.”
“Coconino County is thrilled to be a partner in this effort,” said Amanda Acheson, sustainability manager for Coconino County. “The program supports our County’s commitment to being good stewards of the environment while also providing a resource for our community members.”
SUN has hosted six solar co-ops in Arizona since 2019. According to the group’s estimates, the 102 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 681 kW of solar power, $1.8 million in local solar spending, and more than 26 million lbs. of lifetime carbon offsets.
SUN will host several free informational webinars to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page.
Informational webinars are planned for:
Monday, January 25 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9 at 6 p.m.
About Solar United Neighbors
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Arizona and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.