Houston, Texas Launches Citywide Solar Co-op

April 21, 2021

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Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com

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Houston, Texas Mayor Sylvester Turner and the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) today announced the launch of Houston’s citywide solar co-op

The co-op, administered by SUN, is a, "community-driven initiative for local rooftop solar," and features a bulk buy program to secure group discounts for installations

Solar United Neighbors will request bids on customers' behalf. Then, a committee of co-op members will meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group

"SUN’s city-wide solar co-op is open to homeowners and business owners in and around Houston. Co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations following SUN’s facilitation of a competitive process to select an installer. Joining does not obligate members to purchase solar. Members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate," the city said

SUN collects a $600 fee for each homeowner that goes solar. This fee is charged to the co-op’s selected solar installation company. The customer is not charged the fee or any other fees by SUN

SUN does not have a preferred relationship, marketing agreement, or partnership with any solar installation company. The fee it charges the installer that the group selects is standard, regardless of installation company, but is subject to change over time.

Since 2018, SUN has hosted six small scale solar co-ops in areas around Houston including Spring Branch, Lake Olympia, East Houston, Central Houston, the Woodlands, and West Houston.

With the City’s support, this will be the first time a solar co-op will be available to all Houstonians, city-wide.

SUN is collaborating with local non-profits including South Union CDC, Houston Sierra Club, TX Interfaith Power and Light, and the Houston Renewable Energy Group to spread word about the solar co-op.

According to SUN’s estimates, solar co-ops in Texas provide 569 kW of solar power

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