City of Evansville and Solar United Neighbors Launch Southwest Indiana Solar Co-op

Evansville, Ind. - May 12, 2026 - The City of Evansville today announced a resolution with nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to launch the Southwest Indiana Solar Co-op - the first city council resolution supporting a solar co-op in Indiana. Expanding access to cost-effective solar energy options, this group will help enable residents to install systems that can offset approximately 60-80% of their annual electricity use, significantly reducing reliance on grid-purchased power.

"As residents and businesses continue to feel the impact of rising energy costs, this co-op represents a meaningful step forward by putting more control of our energy future in the hands of those it impacts most," said Mayor Stephanie Terry. "By expanding access to education and resources, the Southwest Indiana Solar Co-op will help more people understand their options and explore ways to better manage and reduce their energy expenses over time."

The solar co-op provides participants with education and guidance on the solar installation process, including costs and benefits, while leveraging collective buying power to help lower installation costs. The free program does not require a purchase commitment and begins with a complimentary roof assessment to determine whether solar is a good fit for a participant's property. Once the co-op reaches 30 members, bids are solicited from local installers and reviewed by a member-led selection committee. The selected installer then provides customized proposals to each participant, who independently decides whether to move forward with installation.

"If you've ever thought about going solar, now's your chance," said Christopher Norrick, Solar United Neighbors Indiana Program Associate. "The solar co-op and SUN's experts are with you at every step of the process to help you go solar with confidence."

The City of Evansville, Evansville Climate Collaborative, Earth Charter Indiana, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, Citizens Action Coalition, Indiana Conservation Voters, Hoosier Environmental Council, and Faith in Place are partnering with Solar United Neighbors to promote the solar co-op, bringing together a broad coalition of local and state organizations to expand awareness and participation.

To kick off the initiative, Solar United Neighbors will host free public information sessions for the community, including an event on Monday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Central Branch (Browning Room, 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Evansville, IN 47713). A second session will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 1 p.m. at EVPL McCollough Library (5115 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN 47715).

To learn more about the Solar Co-op or become part of the group, visit: https://solarunitedneighbors.org/SWindiana