Solar co-op aims to lower cost for rooftop panels

Rachel McDevitt

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I report on energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

My work focuses on responses and solutions to climate change in the state legislature and communities around the state. I trace my interest in these issues back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.

I look forward to winter just for the chance to ski a few times each season. I try to keep myself from doom-scrolling on my phone by keeping my hands busy knitting and learning to play the piano.

I grew up in Cambria County, Pa. and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF just after Christmas in 2014.

Karen Hendricks / For Climate Solutions

Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Harrisburg says its solar panels provide almost all the power it needs for its three buildings.

September 30, 2024 | 9:30 AM

People who want to put solar panels on their roofs in central Pennsylvania could get a better price if they work together.

Solar advocacy nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and partners from Dauphin and Cumberland counties are working to help homeowners and businesses who want to install solar power get a discount by leveraging collective buying power.

Pennsylvania program director Monica Carey said the average rooftop solar array in the state can cost around $30,000.

“We want to make it as simple as possible and make the co-op members really confident in whatever choice they make,” Carey said.

The co-op is the first for the two counties. SUN has previously worked with co-ops in Lancaster and Centre counties.

Once the co-op is formed, SUN will put out a request for bids from solar installers.

A volunteer committee from the co-op will choose a bid based on shared priorities, which could include factors such as price, company experience and location. Each member will sign their own contract and own their panels. The co-op is free to join and members are not obligated to sign a contract with the chosen company.

SUN is hosting free information sessions on the costs, savings, and technical considerations of going solar. Carey said they are planning on holding one session per month until February, when the co-op signup period is tentatively scheduled to close.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held virtually on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Those interested can register on SUN’s website.

Mechanicsburg Borough, Derry Township Climate Change Advisory Committee, the Derry Township Environmental Action Committee, and Move Past Plastic are helping organize the co-op.

Mechanicsburg has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is creating a climate action plan.

“This partnership is one many steps towards the Borough’s climate action goals and by supporting the beneficial impacts of residential and community solar, we can begin to drastically reduce our local carbon emissions” said Environmental Programs Coordinator Luke Arnold.

SUN has helped form 19 solar co-ops in Pennsylvania since 2018, mostly in the western half of the state.

It estimates that has prevented more than 34 million pounds of carbon emissions, which is equal to taking more than 13,000 gas cars off the road for one year.