NEIGHBORHOOD SOLAR CO-OPS: HELPING COMMUNITIES GO SOLAR!

OVERVIEW

• Co-op basics• How a co-op works• Benefits of going solar as a group

• MD SUN’s experience implementing co-ops• What a partnership would look like

PROCESS OVERVIEW

BENEFITS OF A CO-OP

• Help a group of neighbors go solar together

• Get economies of scale and saves $$ on cost of install

• Members have support of group throughout the process

• Members have support from MD SUN after their install

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OUR EXPERIENCE

OUR EXPERIENCE

To-date have implemented:

• 36 co-ops

• 2,169 sign ups

• 481 installed systems

• Over 2.6 MW of solar installed

• Generated $7.5M in residential solar investments

• Saved co-op members $1.3M in costs

PREVIOUS PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY GROUPS

Hyattsville

• 85 sign ups

• 19 installed systems

University of Maryland Friends, Family, Staff, and Alumni

• 159 sign ups

• 51 installed systems

Bowie (still in progress)

• 114 sign ups and counting

• 5 installed systems and counting

CPN BRINGS DEEP EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE• We have helped hundreds of homeowners go solar

• We have a broad experience and can answer questions for all the participants

• We have a detailed knowledge of area prices, incentives, rebates, and tax issues

• We have developed a customized RFP, tracking tools, FAQs, and legal documents

• We vet prospective customers via a remote assessment of each participant’s roof

• We have a deep knowledge of the DC, MD, VA solar market, including installers, prices, and equipment

• Because the installers know us and understand that we run the process professionally, we get better prices for our groups.

• Also: Any funds we earn that go beyond the cost of running the program are invested back into local advocacy fighting for more solar

NEXT STEPSWant to be a solar co-op ambassador in your community? Great!  Solicitations for solar co-op ambassadors will be released in late April. If you would like to be notified of when the solicitation is released, contact Akosua Dosu. Once the solicitation is released: 1) Form a planning group to answer the

application questions.2) Develop a short proposal that outlines how

you and your community meet the selection criteria.

3) Submit a proposal to Akosua Dosu, Prince George’s County Sustainability Coordinator, at ADosu@co.pg.md.us.

 Questions? Contact Akosua at ADosu@co.pg.md.us.

SAMPLE SOLICITATION

I. Eligibility

a. Must represent a community located in Prince George’s countyb. Cannot represent a community that has participated in Solarize in the past

(although Ambassadors with solar co-op experience is a plus)c. Must represent a community with greater than 50% owner-occupied residences

or partner with up to two (2) contiguously located communities to meet the requirement.

d. Must be familiar with and able to operate video- conferencing, webinar and conference call technology.

e. Must be available to meet with Co-op coalition members in person and through telecommunication.

SAMPLE SOLICITATION (continued)

Application Components 1. Basic attributes including population, number of owner occupied residences, etc.2. Explain how a Community Solar Cooperative will benefit your community and

residents. 3. Please demonstrate successful outreach approaches and how you plan to raise

awareness and encourage community participation.

Additional Information (Optional) Identify creative and effective marketing resources and restrictions; ideas for

raising funds to cover additional cost of implementing a co-op List community partners who will support the County Solar Co-op mission,

outreach and organizing (community organizations, elected officials, residents, etc.)

Identify practical and consistent meeting space(s) with video and teleconferencing capabilities

Past or current participation in clean energy and renewable energy initiatives.

SAMPLE SOLICITATION (continued)

Selection Criteria1. A demonstrated commitment to clean energy and sustainability 2. Technology resources to support Solar Co-op outreach and

education3. Community solar co-op marketing and participation plan 4. Creative thinking, great attitude and organizing ability 5. Additional Resources: Extent to which additional resources (both

financial and otherwise) are identified and committed to the program

6. Representing various demographics within the County (English as a second language, Unincorporated, Rural, Transforming Neighborhood Initiative, Educators, etc.)

QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS?

Thank You!