Going Solar as a Group: Solar Co-ops
But it’s not always easy getting straightforward answers when dealing with a
technical topic like solar, even if you’ve been researching it for years. Meghan
Hays, the Local History Librarian at Shaker Library, started looking into solar
a decade ago when there were state grants available. “But by the time we
submitted our application, the grant had expired.” Hays says.
She also came across one of the most
common questions with rooftop solar –
what if my roof isn’t in the best shape?
“Our roof at the time was 1980s-era
asphalt that had been installed on top of
slate,” Hays says. “After we replaced the
roof we were distracted by other house
issues and life and kids. So we didn’t really
look into solar seriously again until 2020.”
Hays recalled a session she attended
at the Shaker Library in 2019 about the
Cuyahoga County Solar Co-op/Solar United
Neighbors. “Then in September 2020 I got
an email saying that the co-op was looking
for new members and I thought, we’re home
with more time on our hands because of the
pandemic, so I can pursue this again.”
The co-op is a partnership between
Cuyahoga County and the non-profit Solar
United Neighbors. “It offers a way for
homeowners and small businesses to get
together in a buying group to get better
pricing on installation contracts as well as a
reduction in costs on solar panels,” explains
Cuyahoga County Director of Sustainability
Mike Foley. “Over a thousand people have
attended meetings and we are closing in on
150 homeowners who have installed solar
systems on their roofs through the co-op.”
That number includes the Crampton-
Hays family. In addition to the savings the
For more information
about the solar co-op,
visit: solarunitedneighbors.org/co-ops
Meghan Hays and David Crampton
made rooftop solar a reality through
membership in a buying group co-op.
Photo: Angelo Merendino
40 SPRING 2021 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
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