Clearwater Resident Shares His ‘Going Solar’ Experience

In November 2024, staff from Clearwater’s sustainability team visited local resident Dennis McDermott’s home to learn about his experience with the Pinellas Solar co-op. The annual co-op is organized by Solar United Neighbors, or SUN, a non-profit organization that helps neighbors collectively purchase solar panels to reduce costs and simplify the overall process of going solar. 

McDermott, like many other Floridians, was motivated to make the switch to solar to lessen his reliance on fossil fuels and traditional utility companies. His solar goals were clear: he wanted a reliable, durable, professionally installed system equipped to cover 75 percent of his household’s energy consumption with a battery bank. 

Installation went smoothly, taking about 90 days from signing the contract to the system being fully operational. He saw an immediate return on investment when his home remained with power during hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

As more Floridians consider making the switch to solar, McDermott’s story serves as an encouraging example of how residential solar can provide resilient, cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. To learn more, sign up for Clearwater’s sustainability newsletter at MyClearwater.com/Sustainability.