WINSTON-SALEM, NC — The regionwide community-based group-buying program Solarize the Triad has rapidly reached its 5th price tier based on 32 Triad property owners agreeing to purchase new renewable energy systems for their homes.

Residents in the region have just over two months – until Nov. 30 – to sign up for free in order to become eligible for unique community campaign’s group-purchasing discounts.

When residents, business owners, churches and nonprofits contract for solar installations through Solarize the Triad, savings accrue for all participants. The 5th price tier for residential purchasers – one of eight in that dimension of the program – means a new lower price range of between $2.30-$2.45/watt (depending on equipment selected). This tier was reached through initial contracts totaling 329.41 total kW.

Once these homes’ installations are completed, 644,458 lbs. of CO2 in the Triad region will be avoided. That’s the equivalent of removing more than 9,619 trees cleaning the air for one year.  Adding to these homes’ reliability, battery purchases have also been popular with homeowners and accompanied nearly every  system.

Already more than 225 Triad property owners have signed up to receive a free proposal. Those who choose to buy through the Solarize the Triad campaign will receive a rebate based upon the lowest-price tier reached. In addition, Duke Energy Carolinas is offering rebates for customers participating in its PowerPair program. In addition, a federal tax credit of 30 percent for newly installed solar energy systems and batteries is available.

"After hearing about the campaign, my wife and I decided to get a free evaluation on our house and were shocked at how much sense it made,” said homeowner and Solarize participant Gary Knight of Winston-Salem. “I was skeptical but after doing the analysis, it was a no-brainer.”

Added Mr. Knight: “We're both very excited that in a few short weeks, we'll be reducing our power bill, our carbon footprint, and will also have a battery backup for the house. The folks at Renu have been so easy to work with and have met or exceeded every expectation thus far."

To help Triad property owners – including both residential and business owners – learn more about financing a system through the Solarize campaign, a free public online event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 12-1 p.m.  This virtual info session will feature:

• A close-up look at and discussion of various financing options available;
• Experts in solar energy from Renu Energy Solutions, the installer company chosen by the Coalition via competitive bidding;
• A representative from the North Carolina Clean Energy Fund and Piedmont Federal Bank to showcase their financing options;
• Information about potentially applicable federal tax incentives;
• How one can enroll for a free solar-energy assessment of residence or places of businesses or nonprofits through Solarize the Triad.

To attend this info session for free, RSVP here for a link. 

Solarize the Triad is currently encouraging enrollment in the campaign since its official launch in July. Those interested may go to SolarizetheTriad.com to learn more about the program and sign up to receive a free evaluation. There is no obligation to receive a proposal and consider purchasing a system.

The coalition of individuals and organizations in The Triad region fostering Solarize the Triad are dedicated to increasing awareness of local solar energy benefits; providing practical education, community outreach and support; reducing costs through group purchasing;; and creating a path toward greater and speedier local solar adoption. For assistance transforming your yard into a beneficial habitat for birds, pollinators, and wildlife through native plants, please visit forsythaudubon.org and ncwildflower.org.