Co-op chooses Independent Solar Solutions as installer

The Rappahannock County Solar Co-op has selected Independent Solar Solutions through a competitive bidding process to complete installation of solar panels on the homes and businesses of the co-op’s 60-plus members.

The co-op is working with Virginia Solar United Neighborhoods (VA SUN, a nonprofit citizen network of solar supporters in Virginia) to help members understand the process and use their group buying power to receive a discount on the installation price. Members receive technical support from VA SUN, which is cosponsoring the co-op with the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP).

Co-op membership is still open to the public until late September.

"We’re excited to be working with the members of the Rappahannock Co- op,” said Michael Geaneas of Bluemont-based Independent Solar Solutions. “The co- op gives us an opportunity to buy equipment in bulk, saving us money that we can pass on to co-op members.”

Co-op participants chose Independent Solar Solutions from multiple submissions. Co-op members were im- pressed with the company’s offer of quality components at competitive prices and with extensive warranties.

VA SUN has worked with almost a dozen solar co-ops in Virginia. It helped 144 homes go solar, saving Virginia residents $396,000 in the past year.

“The co-op has simplified the process of going solar,” said Larry Wohlers, co-op member and chair of RLEP’s solar committee. "The competitive bidding process gives me confidence that the group made the best choice. I look forward to working with Independent Solar Solutions, saving money on my electric bills and helping to build up a solar community in Rappahannock County.”

Rappahannock County residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up online (vasun. org) until Oct. 7, though joining the co- op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will have the option to purchase panels based on the group pricing offered by Independent Solar Solutions. Each member signs an individual contract with the installer. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, each participant generally saves up to 20 percent off the cost of their system.