A free Broward solar co-op holds its only in-person class 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Pompano Beach. Joining is free, with no duty to buy, until Jan. 31.

Pompano Beach homeowners and small businesses thinking about solar panels can learn how a group-buying program works at a free class Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. It is the only in-person session the Broward County Solar Co-op has scheduled.

The co-op is run by the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. The city is one of its partners, the city said in an Oct. 7 release. Joining is free and does not commit anyone to buying or installing anything.

How the co-op works

Members sign up, get educational material and a free review of whether their roof suits solar. The steps after that, according to the city and the co-op’s own page:

  • Solar United Neighbors asks local installers to bid for the group’s business.
  • A committee of co-op members reviews the bids and picks one installer.
  • That installer gives each member a proposal priced for their own property.
  • Each member decides on their own whether to go ahead.

The co-op is open to property owners anywhere in Broward County. Its page says the chosen installer will be posted soon.

This is the ninth co-op Solar United Neighbors has organized in Broward County, the city said. The city said earlier rounds helped nearly 200 families install solar.

Classes and deadline

Session Date and time Where
Solar 101, in person 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 Front Conference Room, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd.
Solar 101, online 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16 Virtual
Solar 101, online 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 Virtual

The last day to join is Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027. Registration for each session is on the co-op’s page.

Partners named by the city are:

  • the cities of Pompano Beach and Hollywood
  • the League of Women Voters of Broward County
  • Dream in Green
  • Temple Solel
  • the North Broward and Palm Beach chapters of the Climate Reality Project

What it means for you

  • If you are curious: go to the Oct. 20 class or one of the online ones. There is no charge and no commitment.
  • If you join: you get a roof review and, once an installer is chosen, a quote for your own home or business. You can still say no.
  • Before you sign anything: ask the installer for the full price, the warranty and the financing terms in writing. Prices and savings depend on your roof, your system size and your loan, the co-op’s page says.
  • Questions for the city: the city’s release lists its strategic communications office at 954-786-4527.

Storm season is also a good time to know what to do when the lights go out. Our power outages guide lists who to call, and our hurricane prep page covers the rest.