Neighbors in the Upper Keys have formed a solar co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. Upper Keys League of Women Voters, Sierra Club Miami/Monroe County, Burton Memorial United Methodist Church, Florida Keys Brewing Co, Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Upper Keys Business and Professional Women’s Club and Solar United Neighbors are the co-op sponsors. The group is seeking participants and will host an information meeting on Monday, February 26 at Key Largo Public Library at 7PM to educate the community about solar and the co-op process.

“We’re forming this co-op to make saving money with solar energy as simple as possible,” said Christine Latronico, President of the League of Women Voters, Upper Keys. “Working with the group helps participants learn about the technology so they feel confident in their decision to go solar.”

Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Florida residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening Florida’s solar policies and its community of solar supporters. Solar United Neighbors has worked with 28 solar co-ops, helping roughly 760 Florida homes go solar, saving residents more than $3.3 million.

“I’m excited to work with residents of the Upper Keys to educate them about the benefits of solar energy,” said Jody Finver, Solar United Neighbors Co-op Coordinator. “If you’ve ever thought about going solar before, this is the ideal way to do it.”

Upper Keys residents above Long Key Bridge interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the solarunitedneighbors.org/upperkeys.

Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, Solar United Neighbors will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.

Co-op participants will select a single company to complete all of the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, participants can save up off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group participants and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Upcoming info session

Monday, February 26
7 p.m.
Key Largo Public Library
Trade Winds Plaza
101485 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037