Via WorldChanging:

“‘One Block Off The Grid’ (1BOG for short) groups local residents together to negotiate better deals on solar. The idea, born out of conversations between Dave Llorens, now General Manager, and Co-founders Sylvia Ventura and Dan Barahona, is designed to create a ‘tipping point’ in renewable energy adoption.

By grouping people together, Llorens says, participants can enjoy an average 15-20% reduction on the market rate. Combined with government subsidies, this eases the pain of investment. Meanwhile, 1BOG takes a fee from the chosen installer: “the same fee, regardless of whom we choose”.

The set up also makes the process simpler and solves the trust issue – another hurdle holding people back, he says. “You know you’re getting the best deal, from a vetted, great solar installation company.”

The first pilot ran in June last year and 1BOG has now officially launched in 20 US cities, but people are signing up further afield. There’s an incentive to get more people into a group because it boosts negotiating power. “So you’ll get friends, family, people pulled into the mix who wouldn’t [be part of such a scheme] otherwise.”