Tucson Solar Co-op selects installer, closing soon: virtual info-session on December 9

Local homeowners and businesses can join for free to fight rising energy costs

Tucson, AZ (December 3, 2025) – The 2025 Tucson Solar Co-op announced the selection of installer Solar Gain to serve the group. Started by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN) the solar co-op helps Tucson-area residents go solar. This is SUN’s fifth solar co-op in the area. More than 500 homeowners have already gone solar through SUN’s previous Arizona co-ops. There will also be a free online “Solar 101” info-session on Tuesday, December 9th, at 6:00 pm (RSVP here).

“We’re proud to be selected as the solar provider for the 2025 Tucson Solar Co-op,” said Cole Morelli, Solar Gain’s residential sales manager. “With more than 17 years in business and NABCEP-certified expertise, Solar Gain is rooted in this community and committed to delivering a higher standard of service for our neighbors. Partnering with SUN strengthens that mission and continues to push the industry toward transparency, value, and true homeowner empowerment.”

The solar co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Tucson. Together, co-op members learn about solar energy and leverage their collective purchasing power to purchase individual solar systems at competitive prices and high quality.

“If you’ve ever thought about going solar, now’s your chance,” said Jess White, Arizona Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors. “Solar is a great way to hedge against rising energy prices.”

While the federal solar tax credit has been repealed, solar remains an increasingly cost-effective and popular way to address rising energy bills. Bulk-purchasing programs like the Tucson Solar Co-op are an excellent way for consumers to see if it’s right for them.

“My experience with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) was very positive,” said previous solar co-op member Michael Shaefer. “Everyone was very friendly and helpful. They anticipated any issues before they happened, and kept me informed throughout the whole process.”

A selection committee made of solar co-op members elected Solar Gain through a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, which remains vendor-neutral. The committee chose Solar Gain because they are a local company with 17 years of solar experience.

“I really appreciated the thoroughness of Solar United’s process,” said selection committee member Lynn Fleischman. “Not only did Solar United solicit very detailed bids for the selection committee’s review, they also provided summaries that allowed us to see clearly how the bids compared and then carefully assess the pros and cons of each. During the actual selection committee meeting, Solar United staff provided us with clear explanations of technical terms and processes that would help us come to a good decision.”

Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Members will have the option to individually purchase panels and batteries based on the Solar Gain’s proposal.

Partnering with SUN on the co-op are: Sustainable Tucson, Physicians for Social Responsibility (Arizona Chapter), and the Sierra Club (Grand Canyon Chapter).

SUN has completed dozens of solar co-ops in Arizona. According to the group’s estimates, the 590 homes and businesses across the state that now have solar panels because of SUN’s co-ops represent 4.8MW and $25 million in savings.

Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op at solarunitedneighbors.org/Tucson

Individuals interested in learning more can sign up for the free online “Solar 101” info session (on Tuesday, 12/9, at 6:00 pm) here.