Orange County homeowners are encouraged to attend solar co-op informational sessions on September 26th and 27th. Homeowners in Orange County are forming a solar co-op and its members will use their group buying power to get a discounted price for solar panels. The effort is supported by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Government, the League of Women Voters of Florida and Florida Solar United Neighborhoods (FL SUN).

So far, more than 300 citizens have signed up and Orange County is hoping to get 500 members.

Solar co-ops provide bulk discounts – up to 20 percent – for a group of homeowners who are interested in purchasing solar panels. As part of a solar co-op, citizens benefit from the educational process and each participant signs his or her own contract with the installer, and everyone gets the discount. All homeowners who reside in Orange County are eligible to participate in the co-op.

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS:

Monday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m.

West Orange High School

1625 Beulah Road

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m.

University of Central Florida Student Union, Room 316A

12715 Pegasus Drive

Orlando, FL 32816

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m.

Renaissance Community Senior Center

3800 South Econlockhatchee Trail

Orlando, FL 32829

Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase panels. After the co-op receives bids from solar installers in the area, members will select one or two companies to perform the installations at a group discount.

To learn more and register for an information session, visit www.flsun.org/orange-county or email solarteam@flsun.org.