How to be a cooperative agent of photovoltaic panels

How to become an agent for solar photovoltaic panels1. UNDERSTANDING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY . 2. MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS . 3. BUILDING STRONG SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS . 4. DEVELOPING A SALES STRATEGY . 5. NETWORKING WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS . 6. MAINTAINING REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE .

In solar adoption, there is power in numbers. Joining together with other people who also want to go solar can result in saved money through the bulk purchase of solar technologies. That’s the logic behind solar cooperatives, or co-ops.

The NRECA ACCESS project researched how to make solar energy affordable for low-and moderate-income (LMI) communities. Through this project, a toolkit was developed to assist electric co-ops and the broader industry deploy equitable solar projects.

Community solar can be a great option for people who are unable to install solar panels on their roofs because they are renters, can’t afford solar, or because their roofs or electrical systems aren’t suited to solar. Community solar is rapidly growing across the country.

This bulletin focuses on potential cooperative and community opportunities in solar energy development and use. This document is not intended to be holistic, but rather introduces some of the overall basic concepts in solar energy development and provides information on how solar energy is and may be deployed in communities in the United States.

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6 FAQs about [How to be a cooperative agent of photovoltaic panels]

Are there other organizations that facilitate solar co-ops?

In addition to Solar United Neighbors, there are several other organizations that facilitate solar co-ops, like Solarize and Solar Crowd Source. Solar co-ops enable members to easily learn about all aspects of solar in partnership with their fellow co-op members.

What is a solar co-op?

A solar co-op is made up of individuals, businesses, or both, partnering up to meet their shared energy needs and typically receiving bulk discounts. This is not to be confused with community solar, which is defined as any solar project or purchasing program in which the benefits of a single solar array or project flow to multiple customers.

Can a community solar co-op be incorporated?

However, in other states, outside investment is permitted and states are beginning to recognize the value of the co-op structure in a community solar setting. Usually, cooperatives are formed by filing articles of incorporation with the state.

Why do co-op solar projects matter?

The success of these solar projects served as the foundation for identifying best practices and developing a toolkit, enabling the broader co-op community to replicate the expansion of solar energy in their areas.

Is a solar co-op right for You?

If a solar co-op sounds like the right fit for you, find one in your community—or talk to your neighbors about starting a new one. Check out our solar energy resources for consumers to learn more about how you can take advantage of the benefits of solar energy.

Are community solar panels better than co-op solar?

Community solar is a great option for people who rent their homes, live in condo buildings, or don’t have a suitable roof. Co-ops, on the other hand, are a good option for Americans who want the benefits of installing rooftop solar arrays but are concerned about upfront installation costs and “soft costs” like permitting.

How to be a cooperative agent of photovoltaic panels