The Triangle Sustainability Partnership is providing an opportunity for solar energy system installation in Orange County at a group-purchase rate. The Solarize the Triangle partnership launches Aug. 10 to help residents, businesses and non-profits save on the cost of solar energy and battery power through the program’s combined purchasing with others across the Triangle and through the availability of federal tax credits.
Orange County has consistently shown support for the development of local, renewable solar installations. The adoption of our “Environmental Responsibility Goal” in 2005 committed the county to “initiate policies and programs that increase the use of…. Renewable energy services.” This commitment led in part to the inclusion of solar energy goals and objectives in our 2030 Comprehensive Plan and our 2015 “Resolution of Support for Small Solar.” The Solarize the Triangle campaign allows Orange County to promote programs that make solar more accessible and affordable in our community.
The kick-off event on Aug. 10 will be held at the North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh from 6-8 p.m. The launch will feature:
- Representatives from the newly formed local government partnership that developed and will support Solarize the Triangle;
- Experts in solar energy from Yes Solar Solutions, the selected local installation company chosen through competitive bidding;
- Live music and painting by Little Red Birds. A portion of proceeds from the event’s art-auction sales will be dedicated to supporting solar energy for qualified low-income families;
- Details about the benefits of solar energy and battery storage; and
- Enrollment for a free solar-energy assessment through Solarize the Triangle.
Solarize the Triangle is designed to assist residents, businesses and nonprofits to become more resilient, reduce energy expenses, and save on the cost of renewable-energy systems by obtaining volume discounts on materials and installation services. Solarize campaigns are driven by community group purchasing and a tiered “bulk” purchasing concept. The more residents, business owners and non-profits who contract for solar installations through the program, the more savings accrue for all participants.
About Solarize the Triangle
Solarize the Triangle is a campaign developed by the Triangle Sustainability Partnership. Communities involved include Chatham, Durham and Orange counties; the cities of Durham and Raleigh; and the towns of Apex, Cary, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Morrisville. The Triangle J Council of Governments and Solar CrowdSource are facilitating the launch.
Installer Selection
Solarize the Triangle organizers chose Cary-based Yes Solar Solutions. The organizers used detailed criteria to carefully choose a qualified firm to ensure quality materials, excellent customer service and experienced installers will be utilized for the lowest price through volume purchasing.
“Yes Solar Solutions is thrilled to have been chosen as the installation partner to bring solar to local communities with a unique grassroots concept supported by 11 different NC jurisdictions,” said Stew Miller, Co-Founder and President. “Our experience working with nonprofits to bring similar Solarize programs to local communities gives us a deep respect and familiarity with the concept and results of Solarize. The goal is to bring high-quality solar to as many people as possible at a fair and transparent price. It’s exciting that the more people who sign up the more everyone’s price goes down.”
All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2023.
Following the community celebration, the partnership will schedule and 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.
Solarize the Triangle is also accepting advance registrations for the upcoming campaign. Interested residents may go to solarizethetriangle.com to learn more about the program and sign up for a free evaluation.