Go Solar Columbus

Rooftop solar on single family home

Sustainable Columbus partners with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to encourage residents in Columbus to go solar through our Solar Co-op program. This supports the Columbus Climate Action Plan clean energy goals. The Solar Co-op brings together residents from all around Franklin County to go solar together. Choosing to go solar as a group saves you money by enabling competitive bids from installers due to a large group going solar together. The program also provides unbiased support from SUN’s team of experts that will walk you through every part of the process, from information and key terms, to financing and installation.

Putting solar on your roof not only saves you money on your electric bill each month, but it also helps reduce pollution and create a cleaner environment for you and your neighbors. Since the program began in 2021 there have been over 1,700 program participants resulting in 158 completed solar projects. 

Our 2026 Columbus Area Solar Co-op is now CLOSED and will reopen in Spring of 2027. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified. 

2026 Columbus Area Solar Co-op

Columbus Area Solar Co-op

Our 2026 Columbus Area Solar Co-op is now closed. This years program offered a 20% point of sale rebate for small businesses, nonprofits, and residents that live in the City of Columbus. This rebate was applied as a discount directly from your installer; decreasing the cost of your solar array without having to wait for reimbursement. The rebate is capped at $5,000 and was offered on a first come, first serve basis. Click here to be notified when the next co-op opens in Spring 2027.

Columbus is pleased to support this program, which helps homeowners and small businesses secure a quality rooftop solar installation. The program also offers discounted prices for optional add-ons such as battery storage, and electric vehicle chargers.

Using group buying and the expertise of nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, the Columbus Area Solar Co-op ensures that participants get a great deal and have the information needed to make an informed decision.

How does the Solar Co-op work?

The Columbus Area Solar Co-op organizes groups of residents who are interested in going solar, together. By organizing a group purchase for solar panels all residents, small business', and nonprofits have access to a better price. 

Go solar youtube video screenshot

 

1. Registration

Registration is now closed. Click here to be notified when the co-op reopens next year! 

It’s free to join. There’s no obligation to make a purchase.

2. Proposals

Once you have learned about what it is like to go solar via our Solar 101 events and information, you will decide if you'd like to move forward with an installation.

Review your offer, ask questions, decide in your own time if this is the right decision for you!

3. You decide

Choose whether to move forward – contracts are signed directly with the installer. The 2026 co-op included our 20% point of sale rebate (up to $5,000) that we offered to all Columbus residents, small business', and nonprofits on a first come, first served basis.

4. Installation

Once a contract is signed, the installer will schedule an installation date with you and will keep you informed if there are changes.  

If you have any questions along the way, our solar support team is here to help. Reach out to Mryia Williams, Solar United Neighbors Ohio Program Director, ohteam@solarunitedneighbors.org. She can answer any question, big or small, and offer non-biased support to make the best decision for your energy needs.

Low to Moderate Income Pilot

The City started a pilot program with Solar United Neighbors to help 17 Columbus homes own a rooftop solar system and battery backup power. The program is completely free but is by invitation only. To be considered for this program, you must be a Columbus homeowner at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Solar United Neighbors will assess roof readiness, electricity grid compatibility, and other technical factors through the application process. Applications for the pilot program are now closed.