Closed to new members

Boone & Hamilton 2023 Solar and EV Charger Co-op

Open to homes, nonprofits, and small businesses in and around Boone & Hamilton counties

66 members of 75 member goal

Registration closes on October 31, 2023

Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”

That’s a solar co-op!

In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:

  • Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
  • A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
  • A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
  • Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
  • A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.

Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits or view our FAQs.

How does a co-op work?

Can’t make our info session?

Watch a recorded session for general information on solar, how co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.

How much does solar cost?


*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary; *2% electricity price increase per year, 14.20 cents/kWh electricity rate (Duke), -0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,328 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar, does not include solar renewable energy credits or other production incentives.
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary; 2% electricity price increase per year, 12.30cents/kWh electricity rate (AES), -0.5% panel degradation per year, 1,328 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar, does not include solar renewable energy credits or other production incentives.

Can I finance my solar?

Not sure if you can avoid the upfront cost of solar? Check out our financing page to learn about the loans that may be available to you, including some that are exclusive to solar co-op members.

Co-op launched
June 12, 2023

Upcoming events

Installer selected

Co-op members selected Solar Energy Solutions to be the group's installer through an open and competitive bidding process.

The company is in the process of developing personalized proposals for each co-op participant.

* The Co-op offers EV chargers in the group and not an EV.

Federal incentives

Federal EV charger tax credit:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8911.pdf

  • For residential EV charging hardware and installation, 30% of cost of equipment and installation, up to $1,000 tax credit 
    • One-time, nonrefundable credit
  • For businesses installing EV charging units, up to 30% of cost of equipment and installation, up to $100,000 per unit
    • Projects must be completed after 2022
    • Must meet labor and equipment specifications to claim full credit
  • To claim the credit, file Form 8911 with your tax return, and provide receipts for the equipment and installation

Federal tax credit for new EVs:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/credits-for-new-clean-vehicles-purchased-in-2023-or-after

  • The Inflation Reduction Act offers up to $7,500 toward the purchase of a new, qualified plug-in electric vehicle or fuel cell electric vehicle
    • The credit is available to individuals and their businesses and is nonrefundable
    • Your modified adjusted gross income may not exceed:
      • $300,000 for married couples filing jointly
      • $225,000 for heads of households
      • $150,000 for all other filers
    • The vehicle must have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh and be made by a qualified manufacturer, as well as undergo final assembly in North America.
    • To claim the credit, file Form 8936 with your tax return and provide the vehicle’s VIN

Federal tax credit for used EVs: 

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit

  • 30% credit (up to $4,000) toward the purchase of a qualified used electric vehicle or fuel cell vehicle costing $25,000 or less
    • The credit is available to individuals and is nonrefundable
    • Your modified adjusted gross income may not exceed:
      • $150,000 for married filing jointly or surviving spouse
      • $112,500 for heads of household
      • $75,000 for all other filers
    • The vehicle must have a sale price of $25,000 or less, have a model year at least 2 years earlier than the calendar year when you buy it, have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh
    • To claim the credit, file Form 8936 with your tax return for the year you took possession of the vehicle and provide the vehicle’s VIN

Complete list of new EVs qualifying for the tax credit:

https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxcenter.shtml

Local utility incentives

Duke Energy Indiana: Visit the Duke Energy Indiana website for information about EV charger and off-peak charging credit programs for eligible customers.

AES Indiana: Visit the AES Indiana website for information about EV charger rebates and available EV charging rates.

 

Co-op organizer

Zach Schalk
Indiana Program Director
Solar United Neighbors

Hello and thank you for checking out the solar co-op!
Whether you’re just curious about solar, or you’re ready to make the switch now, I’m here to help. I can answer any questions you have about solar. I’ll give you installer-neutral guidance to help you make an informed, confident decision about going solar.
I have more than a decade of experience as a communicator and organizer. I work throughout Indiana, helping communities go solar, join together, and fight for energy rights. Solar co-ops are a big part of this work!
I love seeing fellow Hoosiers harvesting sunshine to lower their electric bills and build a clean, equitable energy system in their communities!
Take a look around the co-op page, and let me know how I can help you today.

Email me

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