New Triad Coalition Selects Installer Partner Via Competitive Bidding;
Free Signups for Bulk-Buying Discounts Now Under Way
WINSTON-SALEM, NC — A newly formed local public-private coalition in The Triad is launching a unique group purchasing program – Solarize the Triad – aimed at making solar energy more affordable for local homeowners, businesses and nonprofits in the region.
A partnership of area non-profit organizations and governmental leaders, the Coalition will host a special Solarize launch event on Tuesday, July 23, at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, 3330 Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem.
This special event – free and open to the public – will include a reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Solarize program will occur from 7-8 p.m. The launch event will include:
- Representatives from the Coalition that conceived of and support Solarize the Triad;
- Specialists in solar energy from the locally chosen installer company selected through competitive bidding;
- Information about the benefits of solar energy and battery storage as well as how discounted pricing works in a group-buying campaign; and
- How local homeowners and businesses/commercial property owners can enroll for a free, no-obligation assessment of their property through Solarize the Triad.
This community-based group-purchasing program is aimed at making solar energy, battery storage and other related energy technologies more affordable and accessible for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits within the Triad
Solarize The Triad has been created by a coalition of individuals and organizations in The Triad region dedicated to:
- Increasing awareness of local solar energy benefits
- Providing practical education, community outreach and support
- Reducing costs through group purchasing of materials and installation services
- Creating a path toward greater and speedier local solar adoption
Rep. Kanika Brown, NC General Assembly District 71 - Forsyth, said: “The goal for Solarize the Triad is to simplify the process of purchasing solar power and help bring down individual property owner costs by buying solar energy together. I’m enthusiastic about this campaign to promote solar energy in our community, which is based upon the support and leadership of multiple mission-aligned local organizations in our region.”
Dr. Shaleen Miller, Sustainability Director, City of Winston-Salem, said: “We are excited to support Solarize the Triad, a community-based group-purchasing program for solar energy and clean technologies. This initiative empowers residents to build renewable solar systems, reducing energy costs and promoting environmental stewardship. We are thrilled about their assistance to our residents, making clean energy more accessible and fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”
Will Eley, Green Jobs Program Manager at Piedmont Environmental Alliance, said: “We know that access to affordable, clean energy will make our communities more just, resilient, and sustainable. From cleaner air and better jobs to near-zero-dollar electricity bills and beyond, this is only the beginning for our Solarize The Triad coalition.”
Over the course of the summer and fall, a series of energy education and outreach events will be offered by Solarize the Triad, including both in-person and online activities. The goal is to increase awareness and participation through an understanding of rooftop solar components, suitability assessment considerations, and contract provisions.
Installer Selected Via Competitive Bid
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the Solarize the Triad Coalition selected Renu Energy Solutions to provide local property owners with this volume purchasing opportunity. Over its company history, Renu has completed more than 5,000 solar energy installations.
"Renu Energy Solutions is honored to be the selected partner for Solarize the Triad,” said Chris Berg, Senior Director of Sales for Renu. “All of our Renu team members share in the excitement we have around providing knowledge and access to the Triad Community on their options with Solar Energy. For the past 14 years, our focus has always been a customer-centric approach to renewable energy. We can't wait to continue sharing that vision through Solarize the Triad.”
Solarize campaigns have been adopted in numerous communities around the country since their inception in 2009 as a method to help local residents achieve energy independence together. Solarize the Triad is the first such campaign of its kind mounted in this region since 2015.
Solar energy can help to achieve energy independence and stimulate local economic growth. Going solar can also reduce energy and economic burdens. Among the campaign’s goals are to create a related program for deeper cost reductions made available to a number of qualified low- and moderate-income residents to receive new energy systems and thereby reduce their household energy costs.
Solarize the Triad is a program promulgated by a public-private coalition consisting of Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Boston-Thurmond United, Citizens' Climate Lobby, City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth Audubon, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation, Morningside and Reynolds Park Association, Piedmont Federal Bank, Piedmont Triad Community Development, Goler Community Development Corporation, Ardmore United Methodist Church and Solar Crowdsource.
The customer enrollment period for considering a proposal will conclude on Nov. 1, 2024. All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025.
Solarize the Triad is currently accepting advance registrations for the upcoming program prior to its official launch. Interested residents may go to SolarizetheTriad.com to learn more about the program and sign up in advance to be among the first in line for a free evaluation.
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
