It’s also open for those who want to install EV chargers.
Frederick, Md (KM) If you’re interested in going solar, but not sure how to go about it, here’s an opportunity. The Maryland Capital Area Solar Co-Op is accepting new members. “It’s not just for homeowners. It’s also small business owners, non-profits, places of worship are welcome to join the co-op too,” says Dawn Asbacher, Frederick County’s Sustainability Program Manager.
By joining a co-op, Ashbacher says members can buy products in bulk, and that helps bring down the cost. “We’ve done co-ops in Frederick County before so there has been interest,” she says. “The great thing is that this time we are doing it regionally for the state of Maryland so it just increases the participation and increases our bulk purchasing power.”
Ashbacher says the co-op can also work for members who want to install charging stations for electric vehicles at their homes or businesses.
The deadline to apply is August 31st, 2021. There is no fee to join.
Interested residents and business owners, non-profits and houses of worship are invited to learn more at a series of information sessions during the summer. The first one is at McClintock Distilling on Tuesday, June 29th at 6:00 PM. There’s another session on Tuesday, July 13th at 6:00 PM at Rockwell Brewery. There will be a virtual session on Tuesday, August 3rd beginning at 12:00 PM.
The Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources and the City of Frederick are working with other jurisdictions to form a new co-op with Solar United Neighbors of Maryland.
“The technology is evolving rapidly. It’s making it more affordable than ever,” says Ashbacher. “The idea of a co-op where you can join with other folks and do it together. It’s all very exciting to see this coming together.”
By Kevin McManus