Aug. 8, 2023

Local Coalition Selects Installer Partner Via Competitive Bidding;

Opportunity for Cobb Property Owners To Seek Unique Group-Buying Discount

MARIETTA — A coalition of local organizations is launching Solarize Cobb, a new community-based solar campaign making solar energy and battery storage more affordable to participants through group purchasing within Cobb County.

Solarize Cobb offers a reliable way to install solar energy infrastructure at your home or business. Through the combined purchasing power of other Cobb residents and a new federal tax credit, Cobb homeowners, business owners and non-profit leaders can purchase affordable renewable energy for a limited time during this campaign. The more participants who enroll and purchase solar, the greater the savings for all. A community Launch Party will take place at Glover Park Brewery, 65 Atlanta St., SE, Marietta, on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is now open. 

This free, open-to-the-public launch party will feature:

• Leaders from the community organizations who developed and support the success of Solarize Cobb;
• Experts in solar energy from the locally selected installer company chosen via competitive bidding;
• Information about the benefits of solar energy and battery storage along with how the Solarize program works; and
• Details on how local homeowners and businesses can enroll for a free assessment of their property through Solarize Cobb.

Solarize Cobb is currently accepting advance registrations now for the upcoming program as the launch approaches. Interested Cobb residents may go to SolarizeCobb.com to learn more about the campaign, sign up in advance of the launch party, and be among the first in line for a free evaluation for your home or business.

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. This 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.

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. 

"The launch of Solarize Cobb marks a pivotal moment for renewable energy adoption in Cobb County," said Bethany Mashini, Executive Director of My Green Earth. "Our coalition is driven by a shared vision of creating a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all. We are thrilled about the impact Solarize Cobb will have on homeowners and businesses as we bring affordable, honest solar solutions and foster a community-wide transition toward clean energy."

Following a rigorous evaluation process conducted this summer, Solarize Cobb chose Creative Solar USA as the selected installer for the campaign. Founded in 2008, CSUSA is a turn-key Cobb-based provider of solar power and related energy management services for the residential and commercial sectors.

"Our journey with Solarize Cobb is not just about harnessing solar energy; it's a radiant testament to our unwavering dedication to our community,” Russell Seifert, Founder/President, Creative Solar USA. “With our roots firmly planted in Cobb and headquartered in Kennesaw, we are poised to lead by example, illuminating the path to a greener future. This campaign is akin to the purest form of grassroots efforts, reflecting the passion and unity that define us.”

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 offer a series of 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. 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.

About Solarize Cobb: Solarize Cobb is a new program initiated by a coalition of multiple Cobb-based organizations: My Green Earth, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Environment Georgia, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter - Centennial Group in NW Georgia, and Solar Crowdsource. Increasing energy independence via reducing the barriers and cost of solar-energy and battery-storage installations through the power of bulk purchasing is the objective of the campaign, which will launch on Aug. 31, 2023.

Contact:

Bethany Mashini

My Green Earth, Inc

https://mygreenearth.org

bethany@mygreenearth.org

770-367-8992

Ken Haldin

SolarCrowdsource

ken@solarcrowdsource.com
404-405-2924