Solar Energy Opportunities Available For Homeowners, Business Owners, And Non-Profits In Indiana County
This fall, homeowners, commercial property owners, and nonprofits have new opportunities to power their residences or facilities with solar thanks to the Indiana County Solar Co-Op and the GET Solar Communities Program. Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is partnering with The Indiana County Sustainable Economic Development Task Force, the Indiana County Farm Bureau, and the Indiana County Conservation District to form the third round of the Solar Co-Op.
Co-ops take advantage of collective purchasing power to make it easier and cheaper for people to install solar systems. Participants select a single installer on behalf of the entire group through an open and competitive bidding process. The chosen installer then provides personal proposals for all co-op members at a discounted rate.
SUN has helped over 7,500 people across the country get solar installations, electric vehicle chargers, and energy storage through solar co-ops. Participants receive free consultation from SUN’s vendor-neutral solar experts and access to exclusive pricing deals from a competitively selected solar installer.
In addition to solar panels, round III of the Co-Op will allow participants to purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations and battery storage! If you’ve ever considered installing solar panels on your home or business, this is the chance you’ve been waiting for. The co-op is open to everyone throughout Indiana County until 1/31/2023.
Joining the Solar Co-Op is free, and all members can voluntarily choose whether or not to sign agreements with the selected installer once all information has been provided. For more information about the Indiana County Solar Co-Op, email pateam@solarunitedneighbors.org or visit www.solarunitedneighbors.org/indianacounty.
In addition to the Co-Op, commercial and nonprofit businesses in the Indiana Borough and White Township will also have an opportunity to go solar, thanks to Indiana Borough’s acceptance into PA Solar Center’s GET Solar Communities Program.
The PA Solar Center is a statewide organization that provides a centralized hub of resources and information for anyone seeking solar power. As part of the program, the PA Solar Center will provide technical assistance to businesses and tax-exempt organizations to go solar by connecting them with trusted professionals and financing.
Indiana Borough was one of four communities selected to participate in the 2022 GET Solar Communities Program. Other partners include White Township, the Indiana County Sustainable Economic Development Task Force, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana County Conservation District.
As Peter Broad, the Borough Council President, said, “Recent federal legislation has provided an incredible opportunity for nonprofits and small businesses to go solar. That is why we’re partnering with PA Solar Center, to provide our community the option to engage with professionals and receive guidance throughout transitioning to solar-powered electricity.” This legislation will also offer solar tax credits to tax-exempt entities for the first time.
Community members are encouraged to explore their options and take the power of solar into their own hands. Join the Pennsylvania Solar Center for an information session on Friday, December 16th, from 1:00 to 2:30pm to learn creative ways your own business or organization can reap the benefits of solar energy. For more information about this opportunity, contact Indiana Borough or visit https://pasolarcenter.org/get-solar/communities/indiana/.