Montgomery County Joins ‘Capital Area Solar Switch’ to Leverage the Power of Solar Group Buying

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Montgomery County is again joining the “Capital Area Solar Switch,” an innovative program that leverages the power of groups to help residents and businesses throughout the Washington metropolitan area learn about and install rooftop solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations.

This is the third year that Montgomery County has joined forces with Solar United Neighbors and other jurisdictions to create the opportunity for people living in and around the D.C. area.

In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, members of Capital Area Solar Switch receive a direct line to ask questions about the process and access to a team that vets qualified installers to compete for the group’s business.

The program will conduct a reverse auction with qualified installers on June 21 to secure a competitively priced solar package. After the auction, personal recommendations will be prepared and sent to all registered residents by July 25. Capital Area Solar Switch’s auction is expected to save residents an average of $4,000 on a standard-sized system. The IRA Federal solar tax credit could further reduce costs by an additional 30 percent.

“This is an important partnership because it will allow more Montgomery County residents to benefit from solar power,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. ”Creating a greener County in the face of global warming takes a community effort. Capitol Area Solar Switch is an excellent model for informing and educating residents and businesses about the technology and the process of installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. We’re using the using the power of group buying to decrease costs and make the switch to solar more affordable.”

Members of Capital Area Solar Switch include Washington, D.C.; Arlington and Fairfax counties in Virginia; Prince George’s County; the Town of Poolesville; and Maryland cities Bowie, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Rockville and Takoma Park.

"This partnership will bolster our efforts to bring local solar energy directly to the metro area residents,” said Aaron Sutch, Atlantic Southeast regional director for Solar United Neighbors.

“Leveraging the power of group buying through Capital Area Solar Switch can help participants get a discounted price on a rooftop solar installation while receiving additional support through each phase of the process."

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Capital Area Solar Switch by June 21 because the more registrations there are by the auction date, the more competitively the installers will bid.

Prices for rooftop solar have decreased significantly in recent years, but with the added discounts of group buying and Federal incentives, the option has become even more affordable.

Registration is free and there is no obligation for homeowners to purchase solar panels. Residents will have the option to move forward with a solar installation based on program-negotiated pricing that includes the group discount.

Throughout the program period of May 17-Aug. 30, Capital Area Solar Switch will offer free virtual and in-person information sessions on Solar 101 (solar technology, financing and incentives), as well as sessions with winning solar installers.

Learn about upcoming information sessions and register at https://solarswitch.com/en/capitalarea/home

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Release ID: 23-214
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563
Categories: Environment