MARIETTA — The first local property owners to benefit from Solarize Cobb, a community-based group-purchasing solar campaign, will soon own renewable energy systems to power their Cobb residences.

A coalition of Cobb-based organizations launched Solarize Cobb to help make solar energy and battery storage more affordable for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits through a unique bulk-purchasing concept available to Cobb property owners.

Several local residents have already secured contracts for installation of a new renewable energy system through Solarize Cobb discounted pricing. The more who participate in group purchasing, the more costs are reduced for every property owner who contracts for a system.

Nearly 100 local residents and business owners have already signed up to learn more about how Solarize Cobb works. At its core, Solarize Cobb is a community-based group-purchasing program for solar energy, battery storage and other technologies to mitigate rising utility costs and support energy independence.

The initiative is aimed at helping homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits become more resilient, reduce their energy expenses, and save on the cost of renewable energy systems by obtaining volume discounts on materials and installation services.

In addition to online information, Cobb residents can get personalized information about Solarize Cobb at a morning Solarize Saturday Social on Saturday, Nov. 4. The free event will be held from 9-11 a.m. at Marietta Perks, 800 Whitlock Ave NW, Unit 116, Marietta.

This informal, open-to-the-public occasion will feature:

• The basics of solar energy and battery storage;
• How Solarize group-purchase discounts are applied;
• An overview of financing solar and current tax incentives;
• Q&A with local installer Creative Solar USA, which was selected following a rigorous evaluation process conducted for the campaign;
• Complimentary coffee and pastries.

Interested Cobb residents may go to SolarizeCobb.com to learn more and sign up for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation for your home or business. Solarize Cobb is open to all property owners in Cobb County and follows a campaign model that has been successful in more than 300 other communities across the U.S. 

Coalition organizations involved in developing and partnering together to ensure Solarize Cobb is a success include: My Green Earth, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Environment Georgia, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter - Centennial Group in NW Georgia, and Solar Crowdsource. 

Solar energy makes homes and businesses more climate-resilient and can stimulate local economic growth as well as lower monthly power bills. In addition to group purchasing, federal tax credits are available to help further reduce system costs. Going solar can also reduce energy and economic burdens for low- and moderate-income residents.

Solarize Cobb will continue to offer clean-energy education and outreach events in the community with a goal of increasing participation through a better understanding of rooftop solar components, suitability assessment considerations, and Solarize contract provisions.

The deadline for residents to enroll for free is in February. All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.

In addition to signing up, Cobb residents and business owners can stay up to date on all Solarize Cobb activities, news and information at SolarizeCobb.com.