Solar co-op launches for Florida Keys residents to go solar together

Increasing threat of hurricanes to the region highlights urgency for more resilient, sustainable community

Key West, Fla. – Today, nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Florida Keys 2023 Solar Co-op to help Monroe County residents go solar.

As Floridians continue to rebuild and recover from this past hurricane season, rooftop solar is one way that consumers can rebuild more resilient communities and be prepared for the next storm. Solar panels can handle severe weather events and, if the homeowner has battery storage too, solar can keep critical appliances and medical devices up and running. Solar systems installed in hurricane zones are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds.

“The co-op will enable Monroe County homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Laura Tellez, South Florida program associate for Solar United Neighbors. “Together, we’re building a movement to transform our electricity system into one that is cleaner, fairer, and shares its benefits more broadly. And with the ever-present threat of hurricanes, it’s never been a better time to protect the electricity grid.”

The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Monroe County. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and top quality.

After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, which remains vendor neutral, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.

Partnering on the co-op are the City of Key West, City of Layton, League of Women Voters of the Lower Keys and the UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County.

“It’s no secret that recent rate hikes are putting an enormous burden on residents and businesses in the Florida Keys. The solar co-op will empower Monroe County residents to save money on both their installation costs and energy bills. Rooftop solar when paired with battery storage can also help build more resilient communities in preparation for the next hurricane season. By providing electricity when there is a power outage, solar can save lives and help other communicate with their families when it’s needed the most,” said Rhonda Haag, chief resilience officer, Monroe County.

“Whether you want to learn or pursue a solar investment, this process exceeded all our expectations. We were thoroughly impressed by the team at Solar United Neighbors. They made solar education and adoption easy. We were up and running in just seven months,” said Roger & Cindy McVeigh, residents of Key West and members of the Florida Keys 2020 Solar Co-op. “We are thrilled with the results! Our rooftop solar system consistently supports 65 percent of our electricity usage.”

“The stewardship of our natural resources is essential. The solar co-op will not only reduce energy costs to Keys homes and businesses but will also help reduce carbon emissions and slow down climate change,” said Liz Levi, program director, League of Women Voters of the Lower Keys.

SUN has hosted 77 solar co-ops in Florida since 2015. According to the group’s estimates, the 2,341 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 23 thousand kW of solar power, $55 million in local solar spending, and more than 698.7 million lbs. of lifetime carbon offsets.

SUN will host several free information sessions 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 the co-op web page at SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/Keys.

Information meetings are planned for:

Florida Solar 101 Webinar
Monday, January 30
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Register here

Florida Keys Co-op Info Session
Tuesday, January 31
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST
City of Key West – City Hall
1300 White Street
Key West, FL 33040
Register here

Florida Solar 101 Webinar
Tuesday, February 28
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Register here

Find upcoming co-op events and info sessions at SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/Keys/Events.

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