Erie County 2024 Solar Co-op

Open

to new members

Registration closes

April 18th, 2025

What’s a co-op?

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.

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

Erie County 2024 Solar Co-op is a Leon Lowenstein Foundation funded co-op.

How does a solar co-op work?

Can’t make our info session?

Watch a recorded session for general information on solar, how co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.

Cost & savings

Cost & savings

Sample Cash Purchase5kW10kW
Average PA solar co-op pricing ($2.70/watt) $13,500 $27,000
30% Federal tax credit (before SREC sale) -$4,050 -$8,100
Solar Renewable Energy Credit (5-year estimate)– $900– $1800
Net Cost $8,550 $17,100
Estimated year 1 electricity savings* $1,109 $2,217
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)* $11,860$23,719
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years) * $33,286 $66,572
Net Profit$24,736 $49,472
Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary; *2% electricity price increase per year, 18.4 cents/kWh electricity rate, -0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,205 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar. SREC prices are market-based and therefore subject to change
SAMPLE LOAN PURCHASE
Home equity line of credit, interest rate 7%, 30% down (then take the tax credit)
5kW ($13,500)
10Year
5kW ($13,500) 15Year10kW ($27,000)
10Year
10kW ($27,000)
15Year
Monthly electric savings**$92$92$185$185
Monthly Loan payment (7%)($110)($85)($219)($170)
Net monthly payment (7%)($17)$7($35)$15
Net Profit (25 years) (7%)$20,100$18,000$40,200$36,000
Example Pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, & other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides 30% tax credit.  ** Reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase.
Updates

Featured Partners

Updates

Please check back here for announcements and updates from Erie County 2024 Solar Co-op.

Events

Events

PA Erie County 2024 Co-op Solar 101: February Session (Opens in a new tab)

PA Erie County 2024 Co-op Solar 101: February Session

This presentation from the experts at Solar United Neighbors will answer all your questions about going solar. You’ll learn about the co-op process, solar technology, and financial considerations for going…
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm EST Solar 101, Virtual Pennsylvania
Installers

Installers

The solar installers for Erie County 2024 Solar Co-op will be posted soon.

The co-op now seeks an installer to serve the group. Installers interested to bid can click to down the RFP.

Contact us

Contact us

Rachel Pecharka

Pennsylvania Program Associate

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