The Sedona City Council recently highlighted the success of its ongoing partnership with Solar United Neighbors (SUN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solar energy adoption among residents. This collaboration, which has been in place for four years, has proven to be both beneficial and cost-effective for the city, requiring no financial investment from local taxpayers.

During the meeting, officials discussed how SUN organizes residents into cooperative groups across Arizona, including Sedona, to facilitate education and access to solar energy. Through workshops like the recent "Solar 101" sessions held at Lehi Springs and the Sedona Public Library, residents learn about the advantages and challenges of solar energy, as well as the financial savings and legal considerations involved in making the switch.

The cooperative model allows participants to request bids from various solar providers, which can lead to significant savings—often between 20% to 50%—when multiple households join together to go solar. This year alone, 13 Sedona residents made the transition to solar energy, with eight of those coming from the Lehi Springs community. Since the partnership began, a total of 42 residents have adopted solar energy solutions.

This initiative not only supports individual homeowners in reducing their energy costs but also aligns with broader community goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility. As Sedona continues to embrace renewable energy, the city council remains committed to providing resources and opportunities for residents to make informed decisions about their energy use.