Boulder County is initiating a fresh chapter in its solar narrative with "Switch Together," an avenue for residents to join forces in procuring solar installations at a discounted rate. The program, a collaboration between Boulder County and area municipalities, alongside Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and collective purchase expert iChoosr, simplifies the transition to solar power, enabling residents to add rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to their homes with ease and affordability.
According to Boulder County, interested locals can sign up at the Switch Together website with no strings attached. A brief home survey is part of the process, which the team uses to provide tailored solar installation advice. The deadline looms on June 18, so residents have a finite window to act. Alongside competitive installation rates, participants will have access to educational events both online and off, with the first "Solar 101 Event" scheduled for April 17 in Lafayette.
Since its inception in Boulder County back in 2023, the initiative, previously referred to as Solar Switch and the Boulder County Solar Co-op, has witnessed 967 households sign up, with more than 300 making the transition to rooftop solar. "We are proud to partner with Solar United Neighbors for a third year to offer an affordable solar energy option for homes in Boulder County," shared Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann, as per Boulder County, adding, "Residential solar is a win-win, lowering energy bills while reducing pollution." Additionally, Erie Town Council Member Anil Pesaramelli spoke highly of the program, encouraging Erie neighbors to seize the opportunity for energy independence.
Such programs are made even more enticing through a reverse auction format, wherein solar providers compete to offer their services at bulk-inspired rates. In the last Switch Together auction, the average saved amount per household stood at $5,135. Federal tax credits and other local incentives could further sweeten the pot. Justin and Rebecca, a Longmont couple, praised the initiative: "Going solar was a great way to reduce our carbon footprint, and it made sense financially too," they told Boulder County. Affirming the value of the resources and support provided throughout their solar journey, and the skilled contractors at their disposal through the program. Solar United Neighbors and iChoosr continue to fulfill their mission: powering a new energy system with solar energy at its core, backed by a track record of aiding over 2.2 million individuals achieve upwards of $760 million in savings since 2008.
