Residents of Sanibel and Captiva islands could be part of the first community solar power initiative in Florida. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel is going solar. And refuge advocates want locals to join in a group purchase to drive the cost down. The SanCap Solar Connect initiative is in its first stages. 
John McCabe is on the board of the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. It’s a nonprofit that supports the refuge, and it created the SanCap Solar Connect Committee. McCabe chairs the committee. He said this project could significantly save the refuge and residents on the cost of converting to solar energy— a 25 to 30 percent reduction. McCabe said this an economic decision, but also an environmental one.

“It is a hopefully leadership position in moving to renewable energy and getting on with the job of decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide we're pumping into the atmosphere," said McCabe. 

Right now, McCabe said there are about 20 facilities and homes interested in the community solar purchase. The SanCap Connect Committee will hold meetings throughout November, educating Sanibel and Captiva residents. Interested locals have until February 15, 2016 to sign up.