Campaign Reaches 100-contract milestone + sets fund-raising event at Hi-Wire Brewing for July 15
Asheville, N.C. — In the three months since its 2021 public launch, the Solarize Asheville-Buncombe campaign has assisted 100 local homeowners in contracting for discounted solar power systems. In addition, the local coalition behind the campaign has administered installations of rooftop solar for several deserving local families through its related low- to moderate-income program.
Solarize Asheville-Buncombe’s coalition will celebrate all of its progress to date as well as raise additional funds for its Neighbor to Neighbor Solar grant program at Hi-Wire Brewing on July 15. Billed as “Pints for A Purpose,” the special fund-raising event will take place from 5-8 p.m. at the brewery’s Big Top location.
Building on the campaign’s first contract in early April, 100 additional homeowners have completed contracts through Solarize Asheville-Buncombe, constituting 808.47 in total kW of solar power.
Once these systems are fully installed, the equivalent of more than 1.51 million lbs. of carbon emissions -- equal to 758 tons -- will have been avoided in Buncombe County. Together, these systems comprise 2,227 solar panels that can produce 1.12 million kWh annually, will save these homeowners $145,600 yearly on their utility bills and represent $2.65 million in new local clean energy development.
Open to all residents without any restrictions, Solarize Asheville-Buncombe seeks to make solar energy and battery storage more affordable for both residences and commercial buildings through a community bulk-purchasing concept. The campaign entered its lowest price tier for solar energy in May due to strong immediate demand. The deadline to enroll for a residential contract is Aug. 31.
Neighbor to Neighbor Solar extends beyond the Solarize campaign by offering a grant program to further support those identified in need, bringing affordability and access to those who could not otherwise lower their home utility-cost burden through renewable energy.
To initiate Neighbor to Neighbor Solar, the coalition initially secured $75,000 in funds to help lower costs for grant recipients. However, more funds are needed to help a greater number of families with their monthly energy burden, which can make up a major portion of any household budget.
To help make solar power accessible through Neighbor to Neighbor Solar, a crowd-funding drive is underway here along with donations accepted at the Hi-Wire event. A single photovoltaic panel, for example, costs $650. Additional donation levels -- both smaller and larger -- are available. All contributions are tax-deductible.
To learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor Solar or to donate using the crowdfunding tool, visit www.solarizeabc.com. Descriptions of solar and battery storage pricing and equipment options, as well as other details about Solarize Asheville-Buncombe are available at this website, too.
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About Solarize Asheville-Buncombe: Solarize Asheville-Buncombe is a campaign forged and supported by a local public-private coalition involving Blue Horizons Project, City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Green Built Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club - WENOCA, Lenoir-Rhyne University/Asheville Center, Hood Huggers International, Umoja Collective, MountainTrue, Green Opportunities, Asheville Homestay Network and The Collider, and administered by Solar Crowdsource. Solarize Asheville-Buncombe aims to lower the cost of solar energy and battery storage installations through the power of bulk purchasing, reducing contractor acquisition costs, and transferring those savings to residential and commercial residents.
About Green Built Alliance:
Green Built Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a 20-year history of advancing sustainability in the built environment through community education, measurable standards and regional action. The membership-based nonprofit is making a difference locally and regionally through numerous community initiatives and resources. The nonprofit makes sustainability more accessible to the surrounding area through its efforts distributing 25,000 copies of the annual Green Building Directory; coordinating the Appalachian Offsets carbon-offsetting program; managing Blue Horizons Project and Energy Savers Network to help create our region’s clean-energy future; and administering green-building certifications such as Green Built Homes. Learn more or get involved by becoming a member or making a donation at greenbuilt.org.
Contacts:
Ken Haldin | ken@solarcrowdsource.com | (404) 405-2924
Beatrice Nathan | beatrice@bluehorizonsproject.com | (828) 774-9997
