Creve Coeur’s Energy and Environment Committee has endorsed the city’s participation in Switch Together, a solar group purchasing program, according to Public Information Officer Melissa Bradford’s remarks during the April 27 City Council meeting.
The initiative enables residents to participate in educational seminars about solar technology, receive installation quotes, and benefit from a 15-20% discount on solar panel systems through collective buying power, Bradford explained.
Switch Together operates regionally in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), and program operator iChoosr.
Beginning May 27, residents can register online for complimentary educational sessions and additional program details.
“This initiative resembles previous solar group purchasing efforts from 2020, 2021, and 2023, which operated under the name Grow Solar,” Bradford noted. “Though comparable in scope, that program ultimately proved unsuccessful.
“The key distinction lies in how savings are applied: the earlier program required residents to purchase solar panels first and claim rebates afterward, while this program offers immediate discounts. This structural improvement should encourage greater community participation.”
Campaign efforts will concentrate between July and September, utilizing the city’s website, email newsletter, and social media platforms for outreach.
The city’s sole responsibility involves promoting the program through existing communication channels including its website, newsletter, social media, and residential mailers. Residents have until November 11 to commit to the offer, with solar installations scheduled to be completed by August 11, 2027.
“Fundamentally, supporting community solar expansion through this program costs the city nothing,” Bradford stated. “Furthermore, this aligns perfectly with our Climate Action Plan objectives, which specifically advocate for municipal involvement in group solar purchasing initiatives.”
