Plano Solar Advocates and Solar United Neighbors embarked on a collaborative venture to introduce the 2024 Plano Solar Co-Op. Launched on Jan. 23, 2024, this initiative aims to empower residents with the benefits of solar energy.
The Plano Solar Co-Op invites 50 to 100 neighbors, including residents and small businesses in the Plano area, to participate. A series of free webinars, scheduled for Tues. Feb. 6, and Tue. Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom, will equip attendees with essential insights into solar power and its practical applications. The co-op is open for new members until April 26, 2024.
The co-op's mission transcends individual benefits, aiming to help people go solar. According to Solar United Neighbors’ official site, their track record showcases an average solar installation size of 7 kW in their solar co-ops, leading to an average saving of $30,674 on energy bills over the next 25 years.
Solar United Neighbors will facilitate the bidding process on behalf of co-op members. Subsequently, a committee comprising fellow co-op members will convene to evaluate bids and select the most suitable installer for the group.
Solar United Neighbors dates back to 2007 when Anya Schoolman’s son, Walter, and his friend Diego, inspired by An Inconvenient Truth, envisioned solar panels on their homes. This vision spurred the Mount Pleasant Solar Cooperative, gathering 50 neighbors within two weeks and catalyzing advocacy for improved solar policies. This endeavor evolved into Solar United Neighbors, advocating for community-driven energy initiatives nationwide.
As residents of Plano continue their solar journey with the help of programs such as Plano Solar Advocates, they are urged to register for upcoming webinars and discover the transformative potential of clean energy alternatives.