Thinking about solar? Rochester homeowners can get a free consultation through Switch Together

Thinking about solar? Rochester homeowners can get a free consultation through Switch Together Erin Mahon News10NBC ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The city of Rochester is inviting homeowners to explore solar energy through a new pilot program called Switch Together. “We’re partnering with a nonprofit partner, Solar United Neighbors, to offer this program called Switch Together, which is a combination of educational resources around what is solar, what’s the financing structures around it, everything you might want to know, and then the community based buying program as well,” Natasha Main, innovation team director within the mayor’s office, said. Maine said the program aims to maximize incentives and help residents feel confident about installing solar panels, especially as energy bills remain high. The city sent out mailers last week to inform residents about the program and encourage participation. Getting started The city is teaming up with the national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors for the project. Homeowners interested in Switch Together can visit the program’s website, linked below this paragraph, and enter details about their roof structure and energy usage to start the process toward getting a personalized panel installation offer. Solar United Neighbors, the city says, will help answer any questions as they arise and walk homeowners through the process. Website Access: Switch Together Rochester “And they’ll walk you through what that process is to do so. And so you’ll get a chance to really review what that, you know, I guess solar offer would look like, right, and ask as many questions as you need to and have the access to those educational resources,” Main said. Main explained that net metering helps homeowners benefit from solar even in Rochester’s cloudy climate. “What we also have to our benefit is net metering, right. And so if you’re producing way more solar energy in the summer, that actually goes back to you as a credit in the winter. And so what really looks maybe more favorable in sunnier days actually balances out throughout the course of the year because of that model,” Main said. How it works Switch Together organizes group purchasing of residential solar panels, allowing homeowners to get a discounted price through a reverse auction where vetted installers compete to offer the best deal. Homeowners who register can test if their roof is suitable, receive a personal recommendation, and decide whether to accept the offer. There is no obligation to continue, and deposits are fully refundable if the homeowner does not proceed with installation. In addition, homeowners do not need to find a group on their own, the city will help facilitate group matching. The final deadline to opt in to the program is Dec. 16. A virtual session for questions is scheduled for Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. A link to sign up for the virtual session is pasted below: Sign up: Rochester Switch Together Solar 101 The planning process The innovation team spent the past year listening to residents about their concerns and needs related to energy costs and solar options. Main said the city wanted to create a trusted process for residents to learn and connect with resources. “We are really listening to residents, and when we are approaching this to make sure that, you know, is this an opportunity that I can take advantage of and really kind of addressing the affordability crisis when we’re thinking about energy as well,” Main said. Maine acknowledged that some residents may be skeptical about solar programs due to past scams, which is why the city sent direct mailers and is endorsing this effort. The city says it used a formal request for proposals process to select its nonprofit partner. It also confirmed the program is open to all city residents and does not require joining a group.