Boulder residents can learn about the benefits of installing solar panels as a group next week. The Solar Switch program will be discussed on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the main Boulder Library, and on Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Library or via Zoom.
Solar Switch is a collaboration between Solar United Neighbors (SUN), a national nonprofit that helps communities negotiate bulk discounts on solar panels, and iChoosr, an independent group-buying specialist. SUN previously hosted the Boulder County Solar Co-op, a similar effort that helped 170 Boulderites install solar panels.
The key difference between the co-op and Solar Switch is that, in the co-op, residents collectively chose the solar installer. In this new program, iChoosr will select the companies for the installations. By purchasing as part of a large cohort, participants can enjoy significant discounts. During the co-op, SUN estimated that members could save 10% to 20% compared to individual purchases from Front Range companies. Similar savings are expected with Solar Switch.
Another goal of Solar Switch is to reach more people than the co-op did. While the co-op selected a single installer, iChoosr will have several companies available, potentially increasing work capacity — especially since this cohort includes interested residents from Denver.
“It’ll be a larger group, which is one thing we’re excited about,” said Ben Belman, a spokesperson for Solar United Neighbors. “We’ll be able to reach more people in the county.”
As with the co-op, there is no commitment required to attend the informational meetings. Interested individuals can join the cohort, receive a quote for their home, and still decide not to move forward.
I need structural amendments and a pop up attic finished before a roof replacement before solar.
The program works! Yes, it takes a while for Xcel to approve stuff, but it’s worth it and a good deal.
I am all for renewables and decarbonization. Keep in mind that our grid will be 80% renewable by 2030, while most homes will still be heated by gas and domestic hot water heated by gas. It might make more sense to invest in heat pumps and heat pump water heaters first with such high levels of renewables