Commentary by Amanda Cross 
Electricity prices in the United States have been increasing steadily for years. As the demand for power keeps growing, those prices are likely to do so, as well. One way you can protect your budget against rising electricity prices is by installing rooftop solar panels. 
Installing solar panels can save the average homeowner thousands of dollars over the life of the panels, and the savings grow as electricity prices increase. If you include a battery storage system in your solar project, you can use the electricity your panels generate even after the sun goes down, plus you get the added benefit of having power during grid blackouts.
If thinking about going solar feels overwhelming, the Central Indiana 2026 Solar Co-Op can help. Solar United Neighbors organizes a co-op to simplify the transition to renewable energy. SUN organizes interested homeowners into a group to get a competitive group rate, plus SUN volunteers offer reliable, expert advice. The co-op is free to join and there is no obligation to purchase a system.
If you want to learn more, join SUN and Carmel Green Initiative for Solar 101 at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. The session will cover both the basics of solar projects and details of the co-op process. You will have the chance to meet SUN’s solar experts and get your questions answered. RSVP at carmelgreen.org.
Amanda Cross is a member of Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. For more, visit carmelgreen.org.

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