July 14, 2023
HONOLULU — A newly formed community-based initiative known as Solarize 808 is now seeking bids from solar contractors for a community campaign that seeks to make solar energy more affordable for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits on the island of O‘ahu.
Solarize808 issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from area solar-energy design and installation companies for the group-purchasing program it’s launching in September. The deadline for bidders to respond is Aug. 15. The RFP document is available here.
Solarize 808 is a community-based group-purchasing program for solar energy, battery storage and other clean-energy technologies. Once launched, the campaign will help homeowners, businesses and nonprofits become more resilient, reduce energy expenses, and save on the cost of renewable-energy systems.
The Solarize808 campaign is anticipated to begin in September 2023. Solarize808 is seeking competitive bids from the local solar installation community to ensure best-in-class materials are installed by qualified solar professionals for the lowest available price.
Solarize808 is an initiative consisting of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), Hui o Hauula and the L.E.I. Foundation. Facilitation for the campaign is provided by Solar Crowdsource.
As stated in the program’s overview: “We believe in the core value of ‘āina aloha: a deep and abiding love for Hawaii’s communities and natural environments. We are of and from this ‘aina that ultimately sustains us. We employ strategies for economic development that place our kuleana to steward precious, limited resources in a manner that ensures our long-term horizon as a viable island people and place.”
Solar energy is clean, makes homes and businesses more climate-resilient and can stimulate local economic growth. Going solar can also reduce energy and economic burdens for low- and moderate-income residents.
Beyond more affordable electricity bills and increased renewable energy adoption, the campaign’s goals include widespread community engagement, education (energy, efficiency, rebates, financing) and workforce development, potentially providing deeper cost reductions for low- and moderate-income residents.
Informational Meeting for Interested Companies: Campaign organizers will hold a virtual pre-bid meeting via Zoom on July 24 at 10:30 a.m. HST. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend this meeting for an overview of the campaign and to engage in a Q&A session. To register and receive a link for this meeting, please sign up here.
Once an installer is selected, Solarize 808 will offer a series of clean-energy education and outreach events with a goal of increasing participation through a better understanding of rooftop solar components, suitability assessment considerations, and contract provisions. All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.
Solarize 808 is already accepting advance registrations for the upcoming program. Interested residents may go to solarize808.com to learn more about the program and sign up in advance to be early in line for a free evaluation of your property for its solar energy potential.
About Solarize 808: Solarize808 is an initiative of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), Hui o Hauula and the L.E.I. Foundation, with support from other stakeholders. Facilitation is provided by Solar Crowdsource. Community engagement, education (energy, efficiency, rebates, financing) and lowering the cost of solar-energy and battery-storage installations is the goal of the campaign, which is planned to begin in September 2023.
Contact:
Ken Haldin
(404) 405-2924
