FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Region-wide Campaign to Offer Affordable Solar Energy to
Homeowners and Businesses in The Triad Through Group-Buying Program
WINSTON-SALEM, NC — A newly formed local public-private coalition in The Triad is seeking competitive bids from solar contractors for a purchasing program aimed at making solar energy more affordable for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits in the region.
Established as Solarize The Triad, the coalition publicly issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on May 20 to encourage area solar-energy design and installation companies to seek involvement in a special 2024 group-purchasing program. The deadline for bidders to respond is June 20, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. The RFP and related documents are available here.
The community-based group-purchasing program is aimed at making solar energy, battery storage and other related energy technologies more affordable and accessible for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits within The Triad
Solarize The Triad has been created by a coalition of individuals and organizations in The Triad region dedicated to:
- Increasing awareness of local solar energy benefits
- Providing practical education, community outreach and support
- Reducing costs through group purchasing of materials and installation services
- Creating a path toward greater and speedier local solar adoption
By providing volume discounts on materials and installation services, Solarize campaigns are driven by community group purchasing. The more participants who take part in purchasing, the greater the economic savings for all.
Solarize campaigns have been adopted in numerous communities around the country since their inception in 2009 as a method to help local residents achieve energy independence together. Solarize The Triad is the first such campaign of its kind mounted in this region since 2015. A public launch of the campaign is planned for mid-July 2024 and the customer enrollment period will conclude in November 2024.
Solar energy can help to achieve energy independence and stimulate local economic growth. Going solar can also reduce energy and economic burdens. Among the campaign’s goals are to create a program for deeper cost reductions for a number of qualified low- and moderate-income residents to receive new energy systems to reduce their household energy costs.
Solarize the Triad is a program promulgated by a public-private coalition consisting of Boston-Thurmond United, Citizens' Climate Lobby, City of Greensboro, City of Winston-Salem, Morningside and Reynolds Park Association, Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Piedmont Federal Bank, Piedmont Triad Community Development, and Solar Crowdsource.
Pre-Bid Informational Meeting
Campaign organizers will hold a virtual pre-bid meeting via Zoom on May 30, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend this meeting to get an overview of the campaign and participate in a Q&A session. Registration here is required to obtain a link to the pre-bid meeting.
One or more installers for residential and/or commercial properties will be selected based on criteria put forth by the coalition. Details about the requirements, including a preference for selection of an area- or state-based installer, are fully contained within the RFP.
Once an installer is chosen, a series of energy education and outreach events will be offered by Solarize the Triad, including both in-person and online activities. The goal is to increase awareness and participation through an understanding of rooftop solar components, suitability assessment considerations, and contract provisions. All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025.
Solarize the Triad is now accepting advance registrations for the upcoming program. Interested residents may go to SolarizetheTriad.com to learn more about the program and sign up in advance to be first in line for a free evaluation.
About Solarize The Triad: Solarize the Triad is a program promulgated by a public-private coalition consisting of Boston-Thurmond United, Citizens' Climate Lobby, City of Greensboro, City of Winston-Salem, Morningside and Reynolds Park Association, Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Piedmont Federal Bank, Piedmont Triad Community Development, and Solar Crowdsource.
Contact(s):
Ken Haldin
(404) 405-2924
