Teamwork for the planet.
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Everything is better with teamwork, right? Renewable energy advocates—and consumers—seem to think so, as cooperative-owned electricity projects take hold around the country.
On a small island off the coast of Maine, the Fox Island Electric Cooperative raised enough funds (part of it a loan from the USDA) to install a 4.5 MW wind farm that will supply the entire island's energy needs. Since it's community-owned, they are expecting to pay less than the $.30 per kilowatt that they were paying for mainland-produced power.
Meanwhile, in sunnier parts of the country, a volunteer-based campaign known as One Block Off the Grid has pioneered a group-buying model for solar panels that drives prices down by organizing homeowners to buy in bulk. Their recent project in the Palm Springs, CA area achieved the lowest price for solar panels yet—which, after 1BOG's bulk discount, the state rebate, and the federal tax credit, comes down to about $10,000 for a 3.5 - 4 KW solar roof.
Live in a sunny or windy area? Maybe it's time to get to know your neighbors and start organizing yourself! The easiest first step is to sign up with 1BOG and look for a project in your area.
