Erie County 2024 Solar Co-op

Open

to new members

Registration closes

March 14th, 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

  • Our Water, Our Air, Our Rights

  • PennFuture

  • Presque Isle Audubon

Updates

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

Events

Events

Installers

Installers

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

Contact us

Contact Us

Rachel Pecharka

Pennsylvania Program Associate

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