Miami, June 14, 2017 – Miami Dade College (MDC) and its pioneering Earth Ethics Institute (EEI) are co-sponsoring the FL SUN (Solar United Neighborhoods) Solar Co-op in Miami-Dade County, a group of neighbors and community organizations working together to make solar panels more accessible and affordable. EEI will help promote upcoming meetings, hosting a few at our campuses, and offer opportunities to learn more about the FL Sun Solar Co-op and this opportunity to support renewable energy in our community.
FL SUN is a nonprofit program between Community Power Network, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, DC and the Florida League of Women Voters. FL SUN helps homeowners establish co-ops, grow the solar community and advocate for fair solar policies. They are not affiliated with any particular contractor or product. FL SUN has co-ops in Orange County, St Petersburg, Space Coast, Alachua and Broward, with plans for Palm Beach, Volusia, North Pinellas. In Miami-Dade, two of six planned co-ops launched in May.
A solar co-op is a group of homeowners that bundle their buying power to secure a volume discount on rooftop solar PV systems. They use free-market principles to solicit competitive bids from area solar installers in order to secure the best price, and ensure a quality product.
These discounts are usually 10% to 20% below local market prices on solar PV installations. Co-op members select one installer for the group (Co-op members are not obligated to sign a contract submitted by the co-op’s chosen installer).
Two co-ops that are currently open and registering members are: Central Miami (North), including Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, City of Miami west to the Palmetto. From SW 40th Street/ Bird Rd to NW 79th Street; and Central Miami (South), including Pinecrest, South Miami and unincorporated neighborhoods west to West Kendall. Bird Road to SW 138th Street. Four additional co-ops opening throughout the year include: South Miami-Dade and North Miami, both opening in early fall, and Western Miami and The Beaches opening in early winter.
Interested homeowners can learn more at local public information meetings and join online at www.FLSUN.org. Roofs are reviewed for suitability.
Every day is Earth Day at MDC’s Earth Ethics Institute which fosters awareness of global interdependence and the need to care for our planet. Be sure to attend its events and workshops in the future.