WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Solarize the Triad, the local coalition that conceived and led a cost-efficient solar energy initiative across the region in 2024, is undertaking a unique new local low- and moderate-income program called “Share the Sun.”
The effort extends beyond the original Solarize the Triad campaign by seeding a first-of-its-kind local process to support income-qualified homeowners in the region, bringing affordability, access and equity to others as a means to lower their household energy burden.
At the program’s inception, three solar energy systems are being donated. The coalition secured $30,000 in value to help lower costs for these three selected recipients. Fund-raising efforts are now under way to generate support for additional rooftop systems to be secured.
While the original Solarize the Triad campaign was open to all property owners in the region with no restrictions, this new method to further increase access for all was devised by the coalition of organizations and individuals that stewarded the overall campaign. Support for installation of the initial systems for three local families was generously provided by the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation and Renu Energy Solutions.
“At a time when North Carolinians need help lowering their bills, Solarize the Triad has stepped up and delivered,” said Carrie Clark, executive director for the NC League of Conservation Voters Foundation. “Not only are they lowering these recipients’ energy bills, but they are demonstrating how we can create a clean, equitable, and just energy future for all North Carolinians. Despite all the anxiety and confusion around the U.S. clean energy transition, this program shows that clean energy is here to stay in North Carolina.”
Added Mike Sherman, Senior Director of Marketing at Renu Energy Solutions: "Renu's partnership with Solar Crowd Source on the Solarize the Triad community solar initiative has been a great experience. The bigger picture that drew us to the program was the opportunity it provides to the less fortunate within the community. Solar tends to be viewed as a high end luxury for homeowners and this LMI program shows the commitment to the whole community, not just a select few.”
Now more funds are needed to help a greater number of Triad families with their monthly energy burden, which can make up a major portion of any household budget. PowerUp NC is the local partner organization that is connecting directly with qualifying participants. A crowd-funding Share the Sun drive has begun and is currently open to donations from individuals or groups.
A single photovoltaic panel, for example, costs $650. Any variety of donation tiers – both smaller or larger – are available. All contributions to Share the Sun are tax-deductible and administered through Goler Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
As a result of the Solarize the Triad campaign launched in 2024, the region has so far added:
- 641.43 kilowatts (kw) of residential solar
- 50.15 kw of commercial solar
- 891.5 kilowatt-hours of battery storage
Combined, this will lead to 1,472,213 pounds of carbon emissions avoided in the Triad area. That’s the equivalent of 571 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.
The coalition of individuals and organizations in The Triad region that fostered 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
(404) 405-2924
Emily Hurd
emily@solarcrowdsource.com
(828) 412-2466
