Dec. 2, 2024

Local Info Events Help Increase Awareness Before Free Signup Period Ends Dec. 15

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Free access to low-priced solar energy in the community-led Solarize the Triad campaign will come to an end on Sunday, Dec. 15. But there is still plenty of time to make a final purchase decision next year for those signed up at no obligation prior to the upcoming deadline.

Homeowners, non-profit and business leaders can enroll by Dec. 15 at no cost to ensure they are eligible for the lowest-price tier available once the community-led campaign concludes. The coalition of Triad community organizations sponsoring the campaign are offering several public opportunities prior to the deadline to learn more about how to cost-effectively “go solar”  via the campaign.

Those interested may go to SolarizetheTriad.com to learn more about the program and sign up to receive a free evaluation with no obligation. Following that simple step, residents have until Feb. 28, 2025, and commercial businesses or non-profit organizations have until May 31, 2025 to make a final purchase decision.

Already 55 Triad property owners have decided to add new renewable energy systems for their homes through this one-of-a-kind regionwide community-based group-buying program.

Solarize the Triad’s 7th tier of eight price tiers for residential purchasers offers a range between $2.20-$2.35/watt, depending on the equipment selected. Residential systems totaling 458kW have been contracted via the program.

These homes’ installations, once completed, will avert 1,066,642  lbs. of CO2 in the Triad region. That’s the equivalent of 8,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.

The following free, open-to-the-public events to help familiarize the public with the Solarize opportunity are scheduled over the next two weeks:

• Cobblestone Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, where a Solarize the Triad table will be situated.
  • This market is located at 1007 Marshall Street SW, Winston-Salem.
• Lot 63 from 9-11am on Thursday, Dec. 12. The cafe is located at 614 S Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
  • Drop in and enjoy complimentary coffee and learn more about Solarize the Triad.
• A free “Sip ‘n Solar” gathering at Wiseman Brewing between 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.
  • The brewery is located at 826 Angelo Bros Ave Winston-Salem. 
  • RSVP here to learn more or drop in. Bring your power bill for a closer look at how the Solarize program may lower your monthly utility costs.

• A Solar Workforce Development Class Graduation from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC.
  • Friends and family are welcome to attend. RSVP here and to learn more about this special occasion.

Since the campaign was unveiled earlier this year, more than 330 Triad property owners have signed up to receive a free proposal. Those who choose to buy through the Solarize the Triad campaign receive a rebate based on the lowest-price tier reached. Duke Energy Carolinas is also 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 to those who qualify.

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.

About Solarize The Triad: Solarize the Triad is a program promulgated by a public-private coalition consisting of Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Citizens' Climate Lobby - Winston Salem Chapter, Forsyth Audubon, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation, Piedmont Federal Bank, Piedmont Triad Community Development, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, Boston-Thurmond United, Forsyth Tech Community College, Morningside and Reynolds Park Association, Ardmore United Methodist Church, Goler Community Development Corporation, and Solar Crowdsource. The installer chosen for this campaign is Renu Energy Solutions.

Contacts:

Ken Haldin

ken@solarcrowdsource.com

(404) 405-2924

Emily Hurd

emily@solarcrowdsource.com

(828) 412-2466