Recently, a solar “group buying” program called “Solar Switch Chicagoland” was launched to offer deep discounts on high-quality solar systems to residential customers and small businesses in five Chicagoland boroughs.
As part of the partnership for the program, non-profit organizations Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) are responsible for training and program coordination, while solar expert company iChoosr serves as manager of the program.
The program secures volume discounts for high-value solar systems based on how many residents of these five counties, as well as residents of Kendall and McHenry counties, participate. It runs a reverse auction process to screen high-quality installers to attend to attendees. At each auction there is a buyer and invited, qualified and pre-screened bidders compete for the lowest bid and winning bidder’s business.
“Thanks to strong state and federal policies, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to solar — and Solar Switch makes it an even better deal in the Chicago area,” said Marina Minic, solar programs coordinator at CUB.
In recent years, legislation such as the 2021 Climate Act and Fair Workplaces Act in Illinois and the Federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides incentives for installing solar panels. These incentives can cover up to 70% of installation costs. The Solar Switch program offers volume discounts in addition to these incentives. “It provides a safe and reliable process to match interested participants with qualified, vetted and affordable solar installers.”
Since 2019, CUB, MREA and counties have been involved in a similar solar group purchase program that is helping more than 280 properties transition to solar and educating more than 3,000 consumers.
An independent solar group purchasing specialist founded in 2008, iChoosr operates worldwide and its joint energy and solar panel programs have helped more than 2.2 million people save more than $760 million.
The inclusion of iChoosr this year is expected to result in a more efficient process that can involve multiple solar installers and reach more consumers.
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