Solar Power Co-Ops Booming In Florida

Co-ops are being formed in Hillsborough County and northern Pinellas County by the League of Women Voters and Solar United Neighbors. The co-ops lower prices by using competitive bidding to attract solar power installers.

Rick Garrity used to head Hillsborough's Environmental Protection Commission. He now volunteers with the League, which has been planning for a year to start a solar co-op in Hillsborough.

"The price of solar panels have come down 65 percent over the past five years. You can get a 30 percent tax credit on it, and another 20 percent savings through the co-op," Garrity said. "It doesn't make sense not to think about going solar. This is the time to do it."

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