Community purchasing programs are likely to become very popular in the coming years and will make it even more cost effective for East Bay communities to go solar. Community purchasing programs pool a neighborhood’s purchases of solar photovoltaics, thermal arrays, and energy efficiency improvements. Buying in bulk, a group can save 20% or more on the individually owned installations. Participating residents can effectively manage these programs at the neighborhood level. However, larger bulk purchasing efforts administered by a Community Choice Energy program could achieve additional efficiencies and cost savings. Coupled with the federal tax deductions and state rebates, community purchasing programs can significantly lower the out-of-pocket cost of solar panels.