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MD, VA and DC residents can join a solar co-op starting Friday

There are a number of information sessions these upcoming months where people can learn about the co-op.

WASHINGTON — A nonprofit called Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is launching a co-op in the DMV area that will help residents go solar. 

A statement from the nonprofit says Capital Area Solar Co-op launches on Friday to residents in D.C., Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Frederick County.  

This is the second co-op the nonprofit has launched for people in the DMV area. The first co-op was launched in 2021 and helped install solar panels at 255 homes and businesses as well as 51 electric vehicle chargers. 

According to the nonprofit, "This resulted in 2,344 kW of solar capacity, $5.4 million in local solar spending, and more than 55.4 million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets."

It is free for homeowners and business owners to join the co-op and those who join are not required to purchase solar. 

In each participating state or district, members select a local solar company to complete installations for co-op members. Members have the option of purchasing chargers, panels and storage based on the group rate set by the installer.

The following are partners with SUN in helping promote the co-op to residents: Arlington County, City of Falls Church, DC Department of Energy and Environment, Montgomery County Green Bank, One Montgomery Green, Montgomery Energy Connection, Montgomery County, MD Department of Environmental Protection, Sustainable Frederick County, Town of Poolesville, Poolesville Green, City of Bowie, City of Gaithersburg, City of Rockville, Sustainable Takoma Park, City of Frederick, City of Laurel, and the City of Takoma Park.

“We’re excited to partner with Solar United Neighbors again to help more homeowners and business owners in Arlington go solar,” Helen Reinecke-Wilt, a sustainability planner for Arlington County, said in a statement. “Solar is playing a pivotal role to help Arlington reach our carbon neutrality goals as well as cultivating a cleaner future for all Virginians.”

Montgomery County is providing financial assistance to qualifying residents interested in joining a co-op through the Montgomery County Green Bank.

SUN is hosting several upcoming webinars about the co-ops from April through August. Here's a look at when they're happening and a link to join the meeting: 

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