Free Financing Workshop Set for Sept. 27 to Feature Update on Increased Federal Tax Credit; Solarize Open House Set for Sept. 24
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Solarize OKC campaign reached another new milestone – more than three-quarters of a megawatt of solar power installations under contract through the community group-buying program.
Since the campaign’s launch in May, more than 100 homeowners have completed contracts, which will result in new clean energy solar capacity of more than 850 in total kW of solar power. Once these systems are fully installed and operational, more than 1.47 million lbs. of carbon emissions will be avoided annually in Oklahoma City. This is the equivalent of 250 full size pickup trucks worth of greenhouse emissions taken out of the air.
“We view this program as the perfect vehicle to raise awareness about how solar works and how long-term solar contracts work,” said T.O. Bowman, Program Planner, Office of Sustainability for the City of Oklahoma City. “It just so happens to also include a price offering from a local company for those ready to invest.”
The new federally enacted Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes a 30 percent tax credit for residential solar. That means the Solarize OKC group-buying opportunity is now even more affordable than when the campaign began. Commercial property owners will also find new incentives in the law.
OKC homeowners and business owners must sign up by then to qualify for group discount pricing and a free evaluation. More than 415 local property owners are now enrolled in the campaign, seeking to learn how their properties can benefit from solar energy and battery power. Interested residents and businesses may go to www.solarizeOKC.com now to learn more and enroll for a free evaluation. The campaign’s enrollment period ends Sept. 30.
Many OKC residents and businesses are in Oklahoma City even though they have a mailing address for a suburb. Visit okc.gov/citylimits to see if your home or business is in Oklahoma City. All solar and battery installations will be complete by Summer 2023.
Upcoming Events
To get a closer look at a local home where a Solarize OKC installation has been completed, visit a homeowner’s completed system on Saturday, Sept. 24 from Noon-2 p.m. at 10408 Casa Linda, Oklahoma City, 73139. This Solarize Open House will feature a close-up view of how the installation looks and operates as well as an opportunity to meet with the campaign’s selected installer Eight-Twenty and ask questions
To learn more about the new IRA federal tax incentives as well as financing options and other features and benefits of the local purchasing program, a special online Solar Financing Workshop is set for Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This free virtual event will feature specialists explaining how the tiered pricing program, federal tax credits and financing options combined can make purchasing a solar energy system and battery power more accessible and affordable. Register here.
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About Solarize Oklahoma City
Solarize Oklahoma City is a campaign forged and supported by a local public-private coalition involving RestoreOKC, the City of Oklahoma City’s Office of Sustainability, the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG), the Oklahoma Solar Association, OKC Beautiful, the Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council, the Oklahoma Compost and Sustainability Association (OCASA), Fertile Ground Cooperative and Solar CrowdSource. Lowering the cost of solar-energy and battery-storage installations through the power of bulk purchasing, reducing contractor acquisition costs, and transferring those savings to residents and businesses is the campaign’s goal.
To learn more about EightTwenty, the installer chosen for this program, visit: www.eighttwenty.com.
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