COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Homeowners thinking about installing solar panels on their roofs might believe the process is too complicated to know where to begin, but a city partnership with a national nonprofit program promises to demystify the steps and save money.

Sustainable Columbus has announced that central Ohio residents, including those in Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison and Union counties, can now register for Switch Together, a group buying program designed to make rooftop solar installations more affordable. The initiative is a partnership between national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and the City of Columbus. Since its launch, more than 9,000 households have taken advantage of the program.

“Since 2021, we have partnered with Solar United Neighbors to help residents save money and keep our community safe and healthy now and into the future by going solar,” said Cassie Johnson, the Buildings & Energy Coordinator for Sustainable Columbus. “The Switch Together program helps residents overcome the three main barriers to rooftop solar: cost, trust, and knowledge.”

According to its website, Switch Together helps homeowners save on solar by organizing group purchasing for residential solar panels. The program uses a reverse auction model, where approved solar installers compete to offer the lowest price. The installer with the most competitive bid is selected and its offer is made available to registered homeowners.

“By using a group buying model, residents can save an average of $6,735 on a typical-sized solar installation,” said Johnson. “We also hold a reverse auction where local installers are vetted for their labor practices and company history to ensure that residents are getting the best service.”

The process begins with a simple roof suitability test. Interested homeowners can determine if their property is a good candidate for solar panels by filling out the quiz on the program’s website. If eligible, participants can submit their information for a personalized solar recommendation. Organizers emphasize that there are no sales calls and personal information is never shared with third parties.

Once the auction ends, participants receive an email with a detailed recommendation tailored to their home. This includes projected costs, energy savings, and electricity generation. Homeowners are not obligated to move forward but can choose to accept the offer with a $150 deposit, which is refundable whether they proceed with installation or not.

If a participant accepts the offer, their information is passed on to the winning installer to schedule a site survey and set an installation date. The survey ensures the roof is suitable and results in a final quote. If the survey finds the roof unsuitable, the homeowner can cancel without penalty.

“Registration is free and there’s no obligation to proceed with a solar installation, ensuring a safe and easy way for central Ohio residents to explore if solar is right for them,” said Johnson. “If a resident wants to discover how much they can save by going solar, they must sign up by Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at SwitchTogether.com/CentralOhio.”