Columbus Area 2026 Solar Co-op

What’s a co-op?
Cost & savings
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What’s a co-op

Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”

That’s a solar co-op!

In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:

Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.

Solar United Neighbors Is Here To Provide Unbiased Guidance And Help Finding That Ideal Solar Company

Exploring new technology can be very stressful when you search for solutions that will help you save money, live more comfortably, and take steps that will help to protect the planet for future generations. It sounds like a huge responsibility and one that requires some expert assistance. Sadly, many people who are researching solar companies find that the information they gather is more about advertising a specific company, product, or service than general education about the opportunities that can provide the clean and affordable power they want and need.

Fortunately, Solar United Neighbors is not affiliated with any company or brand of equipment. Instead, we are here to help communities and residents like those in and around Columbus, Ohio to learn about solar options that are good for them and the environment. Our experienced staff is ready to answer your questions and offer our professional evaluation of solar possibilities that you could be considering. In addition, we want to introduce everyone to the opportunity to become a part of a solar co-op. It lets everyone become a part of the solar movement, even if you are not able to have solar equipment installed at your current home or business. If you are ready to learn and benefit from affordable power that is safe for the planet, we are ready to share our knowledge with you!

Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.

Consulta nuestro FAQ para más información sobre la tecnología solar y el proceso de comprar e instalar su sistema solar.

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Cost & savings

Sample Cash Purchase	5kW	10kW
Estimated System Pricing ($2.40/watt)	$12,000	$24,000
Estimated year 1 electricity savings	$900	$1,799
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)	$10,069	$20,135
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)	$30,584	$61,157
Net Savings*	$18,584	$37,157

_{Example pricing only; actual system size will vary; *3% electricity price escalator per year, 19 cents/kWh electricity rate, -0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,336 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar, does not include other production incentives. City of Columbus rebate not included in pricing estimate.}

Homes within the City of Columbus official boundaries qualify for a 20% rebate, up to $5000 per household.***

Sample Loan Purchase*	5kW 10yr	5kW 15yr	10kW 10yr	10kW 15yr
Monthly loan payment	$142	$111	$285	$222
Monthly electric savings	$75	$75	$150	$150
Net monthly payment	$67	$36	$135	$72
Net Savings (25 years)**	$13,491	$10,561	$26,971	$21,110

_{*Interest rate of 7.5%, 100% loaned}

_{Example pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score & other factors. Prices do not include incentives. **Reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase. City of Columbus rebate not included in pricing estimate.}

Homes within the City of Columbus official boundaries qualify for a 20% rebate, up to $5000 per household. ***

***The City of Columbus is offering a 20% rebate, up to $5,000 per household for homes in the City of Columbus that go through the Columbus Area 2026 Co-op program. The rebate is available for Columbus homes that install solar, battery storage, and/or an EV charger within the timeframe of the 2026 co-op program, with the total percentage being calculated from the full price of the installation. Installations of solely a battery and/or EV charger with no solar qualify for the rebate as well.

Solar United Neighbors will determine if a home is within the City of Columbus bounds by searching the address in an official boundary map managed by the City. Solar United Neighbors will communicate if a home is or is not within the boundary to the installer, Ohio Power Solutions. Homeowners who would like to know if their home is within the boundary line should register for the co-op and submit their address for a roof review. After submitting the roof review, Ohio Power Solutions will contact the homeowner and the homeowner can inquire about their rebate qualification status. There are no additional forms required or steps to qualify for the rebate, as qualification is solely based on the official boundary map.

The City of Columbus is offering a limited, but very substantial pool of funding for the rebate, available on a first come, first served basis. The vast majority of homeowners, if not all, within the official City of Columbus boundaries will receive the full rebate amount when going solar. The rebate will be applied directly to the price of the installation in the final stage of payment. Solar United Neighbors and the City of Columbus will coordinate to pay the installer directly, so the homeowner will not be responsible for paying the final 20% of the installation cost.

Updates