March 2, 2023
LAWRENCEVILLE — A newly formed local renewable energy coalition is seeking competitive bids from solar contractors for a unique Gwinnett-focused campaign that seeks to make solar energy more affordable and easier to buy for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits in the county.
Solarize Gwinnett has issued a request for proposals from area solar-energy design and installation companies for its 2023 group-purchasing program. The deadline for bidders to respond is April 1, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET. The request for proposal document and related information is available here.
Solarize Gwinnett is a community-based group-purchasing program for solar energy, battery storage and other clean-energy technologies. This campaign is aimed at helping homeowners, businesses and nonprofits in Gwinnett become more resilient, reduce energy expenses, and save on the cost of renewable-energy systems by obtaining volume discounts on materials and installation services.
Solarize campaigns involve community group purchasing. The more participants who enroll and contract to buy solar energy or battery power, the greater the savings for all. Solarize Gwinnett is seeking competitive bids from the local solar community to ensure best-in-class materials are installed by qualified solar professionals for the lowest price.
Coalition organizations involved in developing and partnering together to ensure Solarize Gwinnett is a success include Sustainable Gwinnett, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Environment Georgia, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter - Greater Gwinnett Group, Gwinnett Citizens Climate Lobby, GreenShortz, Solar Crowdsource, and valuable contributions from other volunteers and individuals.
Solar energy is clean, makes homes and businesses more climate-resilient and can stimulate local economic growth. Going solar can also help reduce energy and economic burdens for property owners. It also supports Drawdown Georgia’s statewide plan to accelerate Georgia Progress’ goal of increasing solar and reducing emissions by 1 million metric tons through installing 295,000 new 5-kW solar roofs.
Beyond more affordable electricity bills and increased renewable energy adoption, among the campaign’s goals are to create career onramps through increasing community based opportunities to connect with and develop green and sustainability skills needed for high wage trade and professionals. These jobs are a reinvestment back within their community by increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy burdens and costs for underserved and low- and moderate-income communities and members.
Bid Meeting
Campaign organizers will hold a virtual bid conference via Zoom on March 10 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.
Once an installer is selected, Solarize Gwinnett will offer a series of clean-energy education and outreach events with a goal of increasing participation through a better understanding of rooftop solar components, suitability assessment considerations, and contract provisions. All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.
Solarize Gwinnett is now accepting advance registrations for the upcoming program. Interested residents may go to solarizegwinnett.com to learn more about the program and sign up in advance to be early in line for a free solar evaluation.
About Solarize Gwinnett: Solarize Gwinnett is a campaign forged and supported by a local public-private coalition involving Sustainable Gwinnett, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Environment Georgia, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter - Gwinnett Group, Gwinnett Citizens Climate Lobby, GreenShortz and Solar Crowdsource as well as valuable contributions from other volunteers and individuals.
Reducing the cost of solar-energy and battery-storage installations through the power of bulk purchasing, reducing contractor customer acquisition costs, and transferring those savings to residential and commercial residents is the goal of the campaign, which will launch in April 2023.
Contact:
Jill Wu
Sustainable Gwinnett
(404) 721-3437
Ken Haldin
(404) 405-2924
