About the Co-op

CCEnergy's goal is to make renewable energy so familiar and affordable to homeowners, businesses, and municipalities that the choice to install a solar system becomes as simple as buying electricity from the centralized power utility.

What historically has prevented widespread adoption of renewable energy are certain identified market barriers:

• Lack of consumer awareness and understanding
• Lack of purchasing channels
• Lack of trained installers and inspectors
• Minimal financing options

* Courtesy of National Center for Photovoltaics

As individuals and businesses, each of us plays a vital part in the energy market. The intent behind forming a cooperative is to influence the market and breakthrough these barriers, starting at the local level.

One important, incremental way CCEnergy accomplishes this is by promoting efficient and mutually beneficial relationships between local renewable energy professionals and their clients, both of whom realize benefits through membership in the cooperative. We are committed to working with local electricians, contractors, and building authorities so that the community at large benefits from a growing pool of professionals qualified to install, inspect, and service renewable electricity generating equipment.

Currently the Co-op's main focus is purchasing solar photovoltaic and thermal systems and managing residential, commercial, and municipal solar installation projects. We plan to broaden our scope to include helping members purchase other forms of renewable energy such as wind.

A sign of the times

On a broader level, CCEnergy's growth is being borne by forces that demand a new approach to energy, including ...

Economics -- All of us are beholden to a chaotic energy market held captive by deregulation, price-fixing, and corruption.

Politics -- Our disproportionate reliance on fossil fuels from foreign sources detrimentally affects our national policies for energy and foreign affairs.

The environment -- Our federal government is intent on developing new energy sources by drilling for fossil fuels in places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off the coast of Northern California, and has even opened previously protected public lands to corporate energy interests without any public debate.

Technology -- Renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic solar have advanced to the point of performing as well or better than traditional energy sources at increasingly lower cost. Growing consumer demand will fuel greater production of renewable energy equipment, more dollars invested in technological imporvements, and ultimately lower prices.

Our mission and vision grew out of a series of public meetings in 2001 sponsored by Sustainable Fairfax, a community action group based in Fairfax, California. Although we are based in Marin county, we welcome members from other communities, too.

By creating market forces that favor the renewable energy industry, grassroots efforts like this co-op carry implications far beyond the cost of your monthly energy bill.

Solar PV sales »

Energy management consulting services »

Solar advocacy »
How CCEnergy gives members a voice in state and federal renewable energy policymaking

FAQ »
Common questions we find ourselves answering about the co-op organization, financial matters, legal issues, and solar energy

Mission and vision »
What we are doing and why; our scope (what the co-op will and will not do); our cool brochure (pdf)

Why a co-op? »
What is a co-op?; Co-op governing principles; What co-op members do; What co-op directors do

CCEnergy member benefits »
What our members say; Join our co-op; Our membership application (pdf)

Subscribe »
Subscribe to our print newsletter and mailing lists.

Who »
Information about the people involved right now: Board of Directors; Field Reps; Web Team

Partners »
Listing of our partners and affiliates in the industry

Jobs »
Interested in working with the co-op? We are always looking for Field Representatives

Contact Us »
How to get a hold of us by snail mail, telephone, fax, email, and mailing lists

Privacy statement »
How the co-op and this site safeguard information about you; terms of use for this site