The Hillsborough 2024 Solar Co-op has selected Transform Solar to install solar panels for the 26-member group. Co-op members selected Transform Solar through a competitive bidding process over several other firms. Rooftop solar is quickly becoming one of the most effective ways for energy consumers toachieve energy independence, and reduce the financial burden of excessive utility rate hikes and soaring energy prices. Rooftop solar, when paired with battery storage, is helping Florida residents and businesses become more resilient to future hurricanes. The sign-up deadline for the co-op has also been extended to July 1, 2024. This gives more residents and business owners time to sign up, learn and save on rooftop solar.

“It's an honor to be selected for Solar United Neighbor's 2024 Hillsborough County Solar Co-op,” said Juan Hernandez, Co-Founder and COO of Transform Solar. “As a Hillsborough County-based business, it's important for us to serve our local community to the best of our abilities. Our goal is to make solar as affordable and accessible as possible, and the SUN co-op presents the perfect vehicle to move this mission forward.”

Pursuing solar through a co-op allows members to access support from the solar experts at Solar United Neighbors (SUN). Co-op members also benefit from getting a quality installation at a lower cost. 

“Rooftop solar is an affordable way for Floridians to combat volatile energy prices, utility rate hikes, and the impact of hurricanes,” said Julia Herbst, Gulf Coast Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors. “Through the solar co-op, we’re educating communities about the benefits of solar energy and connecting people with federal tax credits and rebates to reduce installation costs and put solar within reach for everyone."

Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Hillsborough County residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening local solar policies and its community of solar supporters. This co-op is also supported by the City of Tampa, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, and Hillsborough County.

After soliciting bids from regional solar companies, a selection committee of co-op members carefully considered the proposals and criteria of the member group. Co-op members weighed their options and dove deep into each company, ultimately choosing Transform Solar. They factored many issues such as price, the number of completed installations, system equipment offerings, warranties and more."

“I very much appreciated the opportunity to serve on the co-op's selection committee,” said selection committee member, Becky Fisher. “Going solar is a worthy goal, and I valued the chance to thoughtfully sort through our options. I recognized the efforts of Solar United Neighbors to guide us without influencing our decisions.”

The co-op is open to new members until July 1, 2024. Hillsborough residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page. SUN will also be hosting solar 101 information sessions to provide a space where community members can learn about the process of going solar. The upcoming sessions can be found on the events page. 

The solar co-op is free to join and joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Transform Solar will provide each co-op member with an individualized proposal based on the group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save on the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.