Baltimore neighbors in pilot solar co-op select Solar Energy World to install systems

Civic Works’ Retrofit Baltimore program and MD SUN (a project of Community Power Network) have organized more than 40 Baltimore neighbors in a pilot solar co-op. The co-op incorporates the collective buying power of Baltimore residents with the workforce standards of Civic Works. The group of homeowners selected Maryland-based Solar Energy World to install systems for all of the participants after a competitive bidding process. Organized with the help of the Civic Works and their field organizing staff, the collaboration is enabling participating homeowners to install solar panels on their homes at deeply discounted rates.

The group of homeowners worked with Civic Works and MD SUN, a program of local nonprofit Community Power Network (CPN) to facilitate the process. CPN has implemented dozens of bulk purchase programs in the region and solicited competitive bids from a number of local installers on behalf of the group.

“We would like to thank Civic Works’ Retrofit Baltimore, Maryland Sun and Baltimore’s residents for appointing Solar Energy World as their solar photovoltaic installer for this impactful cooperative venture,” said Don Myers, Commercial Analysis Manager for Solar Energy World. “We take great pride in administering all facets of the installation process on behalf of our clients to make their solar transition enjoyable and seamless. Our staff looks forward to working with and welcoming more of Baltimore’s homeowners into our solar family. ”

Solar Energy World’s reputation as a local, experienced solar installer and their competitive pricing for Baltimore row home participants in the group were among the deciding factors in their selection. Each participant in the program will have their own system installed through individual contracts with the company.

“We are excited to help homeowners throughout Baltimore go solar,” said Eli Allen of Civic Works’ Retrofit Baltimore. “This is such a great opportunity for people to lower their utility bills, while supporting local renewable energy. “

The Baltimore bulk purchase program will be open and available to new participants through April 22^nd 2015. Baltimore City and County residents are eligible to participate. Visit http://mdsun.org/solar-bulk-purchases/md-sunretrofit-baltimore-solar-coop/ to learn more about solar and to sign up to join the group.

“We continue to be amazed by high level of interest we receive from homeowners across Maryland,” said Anya Schoolman, Executive Director of Community Power Network. Going solar as part of a group makes the process much easier to navigate. Participants can rely on each other while saving money.”

Homeowners interested in joining a bulk purchase can contact solarhelp@communitypowernetwork.org to join one already underway, or start their own.