By Ken Haldin | November 13, 2024
WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Solarize the Triad continues to reach new lower price tiers as the community-led campaign offers several public opportunities this month to learn more about how to cost-effectively “go solar” through the campaign.
Already 43 Triad property owners have decided to purchase new renewable energy systems for their homes through this one-of-a-kind regionwide community-based group-buying program.
Several free community events are scheduled in the coming weeks for Triad homeowners to learn more about how to cost-effectively “go solar” through the campaign, which is led by a coalition of Triad community organizations.
A special Open House event featuring the campaign’s first buyer of a solar energy system and battery storage will enable Triad homeowners to take a close look at this system and get details about the volume-purchasing opportunity. The property, located in Northwest Winston in Old Town, will be accessible on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Those who attend can meet the selected installer for the campaign as well as learn how a solar power installation on their property can lower their monthly utility spending through using a resilient and reliable form of renewable energy.
To attend this info session for free RSVP here for more event details. Anyone who brings their electricity bill information can get a preliminary evaluation immediately.
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 avoid 1,013,903 lbs. of CO2 in the Triad region. That’s the equivalent of more than 1 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle or over 100 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.
Triad property owners have just under one month remaining – until Nov. 30 – to sign up for free in order to become eligible for the campaign’s group-purchasing discounts before time elapses.
Other open-to-the-public events to familiarize the public with the Solarize opportunity are scheduled this month, including:
- Third Act NC Climate Cafe from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 304 South Elm St. in Greensboro.
- Lot 63 Coffee and Taproom from 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 614 Main St. in Winston-Salem
- Piedmont Environmental Alliance’s Annual Party from 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14 at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. Second Harvest is located at 3330 Shorefair Dr. NW, Winston-Salem.
- Corner Farmers Market from 8 a.m.-12p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, where a Solarize the Triad table will be situated. The market takes place at 2105 W Market St., Greensboro.
Already more than 280 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.
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 without obligation.
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.