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Adam Hertzman – PA

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January 28, 2025

Solar co-op offers savings and peace of mind to Pittsburgh homeowner

By: Gabe Hutchison

Adam Hertzman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had considered going solar for years. With a background in the energy industry, he understood the financial and environmental benefits. Still, uncertainty around upfront costs, finding a reliable installer, and system productivity held him back. “I just dragged my feet for a long time,” he admitted. In 2022, an invitation to join the Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Allegheny County Solar Co-op provided the clarity and confidence he needed to become his own source of power.

SUN’s solar co-op model was particularly appealing to Adam. “I loved the idea of being able to be part of a purchasing consortium,” he said. Solar co-op members leverage their bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and a quality installation, while still signing individual contracts that ensure the right system for their home. These benefits helped him install a 3.5-kilowatt (kW) solar array in the spring of 2023.

“[The installation] was way easier than I thought it was going to be. I think we expected it to be disruptive and it was not.

Adam secured additional savings on the system’s upfront cost through the 30% solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which saved him over $7,000. “The federal tax credit benefited us, and that boosted the return,” he shared. The array covers nearly all of the home’s energy needs, eliminating about $235 in monthly electric bills and further lowering the payback time. “97% of the per kilowatt hour fees go away when the sun is shining and so by avoiding all of that electricity bill that is going towards paying off our investment in solar.”

All the money that we are just avoiding paying in electricity—in per kilowatt hour electricity fees—makes it so that it really has a fantastic return.

The solar co-op process eased Adam’s concerns, seeing the financial benefits firsthand erased any doubts. “The one thing that I did not anticipate, that floored me, was how much money we are going to make. The return on investment in solar made me say, ‘Why the hell doesn’t everybody do this?’” Including the tax credit savings, he anticipates earning a 17% return.

Joining together with members of his community gave Adam the confidence to pursue the solar benefits he now enjoys. “The solar co-op has your best interest in mind, gets a great set of installers, and really picks the best option. So that made me very comfortable, the process was completely transparent,” he reflected. This peace of mind, paired with the cost-saving federal incentives made going solar a decision he recommends to any interested homeowner. “I was skeptical too, but our experience—and the numbers—don’t lie.”

I will testify that people can be assured that the co-op has your best interest in mind, gets a great set of installers, and really picks the best option. So that made me very comfortable, the process was completely transparent and great.