Decatur, GA - Solar panels are sprouting up on rooftops in Decatur and DeKalb County. Almost 150 people have signed up for the new Solarize Decatur-DeKalb program that helps residents save on the cost of clean energy systems by leveraging the power of group purchasing. Over 400 solar panels are slated to be installed so far and participants will save thousands off the cost of solar energy and battery storage through the program.
This is the second such program in Decatur and DeKalb County that gives residents a chance to leverage the power of group purchasing to save on the cost of solar energy. The first Solarize Decatur-DeKalb program in 2017 included 123 installations, adding 860kW of new solar capacity, and avoiding over 1.6 million lbs of CO2 emissions annually.
Early adopters are already saving money on electricity bills. Decatur’s Mayor Patti Garrett and husband Gary Garrett were one of the first to be installed through the program. “We looked at the first Solarize program but we were in a different location. The financing was a lot better with this program and we now have better access to the sun,” said Gary Garrett. It’s renewable energy, it’s clean and there’s no increase in cost over time as other fuel sources continue to rise in cost. It’s a great commitment to the environment which is the main reason why we did it.”
Decatur resident Mary Stoops was the first to sign a contract through the program. “Between the Federal tax rebate, Georgia Power's move to give us 1:1 credits for the energy we produce, and zero-down financing we could make the investment,” said Mary. The installation went very well and the roof looks great. We could not be more pleased that we made this investment for ourselves and for the well-being of our planet.”
The new Solarize Decatur-DeKalb program features new solar technologies and clean energy products at lower costs than before, including modern, high-efficiency solar panels, battery storage systems such as the Tesla Powerwall, and EV charging stations for homes and businesses. Participants will save up to 30% off the cost of these systems and installation services through the power of bulk purchasing.
By vetting materials, contractors, and pricing in advance and having the support of the community, Solarize programs make going solar easier and more affordable. DeKalb County homeowners, businesses, non-profits, and municipal buildings will be encouraged to undergo a free evaluation through September 30, 2020 to qualify.
Campaign organizers will host a virtual workshop Tuesday evening (June 30th) at 6:30PM. Interested parties must register to get the link to the event or go to solarizedecatur-dekalb.com for more information.
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About Solarize Decatur-DeKalb:
Solarize Decatur-DeKalb is a comprehensive grassroots initiative to strategically expand the penetration and breadth of solar and battery installations across all property types and demographic profiles in Decatur and DeKalb County. Solarize Decatur-DeKalb launched in April and works in support local clean energy advocats and nonprofit organizations via Solar Crowdsource. Solarize is a national movement that started in Portland, Ore., in 2009, and Solarize Decatur-DeKalb is the 12th such program in Georgia. Solarize programs are designed to make going solar more affordable and straightforward for a short campaign period in defined communities that adopt the program.
