The Wascana Solar Co-operative in Regina installed 115 solar panels on the roof of a local credit union. The co-operative is now earning money from the renewable power it produces while offsetting emissions in Saskatchewan’s mostly fossil-fueled grid. Read more about that story here – https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/solar-co-operatives-1.7235236
What is a solar co-op?
It’s a corporation owned by members who use the corporation’s products and services. For example, this solar co-op generates and invests in renewable energy. The article in the CBC mentioned above shares how they work:
- They generate and/or invest in solar energy in their home province — often projects called “solar gardens,” which are bigger than a single home’s roof, but smaller than a solar farm.
- They sell shares in the corporation to people in the community to raise the necessary funds for the projects.
- They use the revenue generated from the sale of solar energy to pay back the investors and earn a return over time.
- Some offer additional services for members. For example, Wascana Solar Co-operative used to negotiate bulk buys of solar systems so members who had their own rooftops could get a discount on the installation. It currently offers advice and consulting to members who want to install their own solar systems.
Read more – https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/solar-co-operatives-1.7235236