Solar Co-op Launches, Go Solar Together, Talk 1/19!

15 Jan Solar Co-op Launches, Go Solar Together, Talk 1/19!

Solar Co-op launches for Uncompahgre Residents to go Solar Together. Informational event is January 19, 4 p.m. The progam is free and open to the public. Snacks will be provided. A virtual option through Zoom is also available. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting. Register in advance here.

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 www.solarunitedneighbors.org/uncompahgre.

The nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announces the launch of the Uncompahgre Solar Co-op with the Town of Mountain Village, San Miguel County, San Miguel Power Association (SMPA), Solar Energy International (SEI), and EcoAction Partners. The Uncompahgre Solar Co-op is designed help area residents go solar.

“The co-op will enable homeowners and business owners in both Mountain Village and San Miguel County to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bryce Carter, Colorado Program Director for Solar United Neighbors. “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 Mountain Village and San Miguel County. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a discounted group price.

Joining is not a commitment to purchase solar. 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.

“Anyone thinking about solar should consider joining the co-op,” said Marti Prohaska, Town of Mountain Village Town Council, Green Team Chair, and participant of the 2021 Mountain Village Solar Co-op. “It’s a great way to learn about solar technology, its benefits for the environment and your energy budget, and to connect with others in the community who are also interested in renewable energy.”

Through the co-op, EcoAction Partners and SEI will also provide educational outreach to the rural community.

“We at EcoAction Partners are excited to contribute to education in the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields, as well as to work with San Miguel County residents and agricultural producers on the benefits of solar through this co-op model,” said Chris Medary, AmeriCorps VISTA member at EcoAction Partners.

Qualifying rebates will also be available on a limited basis for co-op members who are residents of Mountain Village and unincorporated San Miguel County.

“The first 20 Mountain Village properties to sign up for Solar United Neighbors’ co-op will receive a $2,500 rebate from Mountain Village when a solar array is installed. Additional incentive funds are available for deed-restricted properties, up to a $5,000 total rebate,” said Lauren Kirn, Environmental Efficiencies and Grant Coordinator for the Town of Mountain Village.

In 2021, SUN worked with partner organizations, including the Town of Mountain Village, to help 14 people go solar through a co-op. Rebates were also offered to qualifying participants of that co-op.

“My family is committed to doing our part for the environment, so converting to solar was always a dream,” said Zoe Gillett, Telluride Intermediate School Principal and a participant of the 2021 Mountain Village Solar Co-op. “But, as a public school educator, I had been very wary about upfront and maintenance costs, as well as how long it would take to recoup the investment. What convinced me to sign up for the 2021 Mountain Village Solar Co-op was definitely the rebates. I never thought it would be this much fun and affordable to do the right thing for the environment!”

San Miguel Power Association was a partner with last year’s solar co-op and will continue their engagement.

“We look forward to working with the San Miguel County and the Town of Mountain Village solar co-op to tackle the challenge of expanding renewable options for our members,” said Wiley Freeman, Manager of Member Services with San Miguel Power Association.

An informational launch event for the solar co-op will take place on Wednesday, January 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Mountain Village Town Hall (located above Village Market). This event will feature remarks about the benefits of rooftop solar energy and how the co-op works. You’ll hear from members of Solar United Neighbors, Town of Mountain Village Town Council, San Miguel County, San Miguel Power Association, and last year’s co-op.

Panel includes:

Bryce Carter, Colorado Program Director, Solar United Neighbors
Marti Prohaska, Town of Mountain Village Town Council, Green Team Chair, 2021 Mountain Village Solar Co-op Participant
Pete Duprey, Town of Mountain Village Town Council, 2021 Mountain Village Solar Co-op Participant
Kris Holstrom, County Commissioner, San Miguel County
Sheamus Croke, COVID-19 Recovery Funding Coordinator, San Miguel County
Terry Schuyler, Key Accounts Executive, San Miguel Power Association
Zoe Gillett, Telluride Intermediate School Principal, 2021 Mountain Village Solar Co-op Participant