Solarize NC Shines Down on the Triad

By Emily Manzik

According a report released by the Solar Energy Industries Association, nearly 600,000 U.S. homes and businesses have now gone solar as of December 2014.

Many of these solar homes reside right here in the state of North Carolina.

A recent study by a Duke University researcher found that North Carolina ranks first in the South and fourth in the nation for the total amount of solar-energy production.

From Chatham, to Durham, to Raleigh, NC Warn, a nonprofit organization working for energy efficiency and clean power, has moved into the Triad bringing a bright idea to local homes and businesses.

NC Warn has partnered with Clean Energy for Us to create Solarize NC, a program that uses bulk purchasing and neighborly outreach to allow residents and businesses to install affordable and accessible solar systems. 

Solarize NC works with local installers

to bring solar systems to homes. 

Joining Forces



Solarize NC for the Triad took off in January and will continue until April 17 in search of locals who wish to make the switch to solar energy. 

Ravin Brown, a community organizer for NC Warn, has been working diligently to get local residents to sign up for Solarize NC, “Our goal for the triad is to have as many roof tops with solar as possible, not only homes, but business and schools.”

Since January of this year, Solarize NC has received between 200 and 250 signatures in the Triad.

“Even if you are thinking about it, sign up and get the free assessment so you can know what is expected and what you can do to make sure you are able to get solar," said Brown.

By signing up, locals receive a free solar assessment for their home or business. This assessment determines whether or not your property qualifies for a solar system depending on the amount of sunlight your property receives, how many trees are in the area and where the best location would be for the solar panels.

“It doesn't have to be on your roof. It can be on your garage, it can be on your front yard. Anyway that you can use that sun, we want you to use it,” said Brown. 

Dealing with Duke


The fight for solar energy has not always been easy for NC Warn. The nonprofit organization has been up against the largest electric power holding company in the U.S.

Duke Energy supplies and delivers energy to about 7.3 million customers across the country and is headquartered right here in Charlotte.

Only 2,000 of Duke Energy customers nationwide have
rooftop solar, according to statistics from the
Charlotte-based power company.
“We try to force them [Duke Energy] to move away from fossil fuels and dirty energy and to have more renewable energy. That’s our mission,” said Brown.

However, Duke Energy's website states that one of their top priorities is "to determine the most efficient and environmentally sound way to meet our customers’ growing demand for electricity over the next 10 to 15 years."

It seems that Duke Energy is making strides to produce more environmental-friendly energy through their SunSense project. 

This program would offer North Carolina customers a $250 upfront rebate plus monthly bill credits for installing a solar system at their homes.

"We are investing in innovative new sources of energy," said Duke Energy. 

Despite the SunSense project in support of renewable energy, Duke Energy is still planning on continuing their use of non-renewable energy by constructing more coal and natural gas units. 
  

Catch a Break


Not only is solar energy good for the environment but it can also be good for customers' wallets.

"Most people think that they can't afford it," said Mike Canney, former employee for Eversource Energy. "But little do they know, large companies and energy companies will pay the homeowner to put up the solar panels in exchange for the extra solar energy that the panels create."

Since 2010, the average cost for a solar panel
 has drooped by 63 percent.
In addition to company incentives, even Uncle Sam provides some solar energy perks.

The IRS offers a credit on federal taxes worth up to 30 percent of the total cost of the installed solar system.

North Carolina is even more generous, providing a credit up to 35 percent of solar costs.

Even donors can get a tax break by just supporting nonprofit organizations and their pursuit for clean energy.

People who donate will receive a charitable donation deduction on their Federal taxes. They will also receive either the charitable donation deduction, or a 35 percent tax credit on their North Carolina taxes.

"Solar energy is a no-brainer," said Mike Canney. "If you can do it, you should."

The “Solarize” model originated in Portland, Oregon in 2009. 

Whats Next for Solarize NC?


Come April 17, Solarize NC will move out of the Triad and refocus its energy back on Chatham in hopes of gaining more support and bringing more solar panels to roofs across North Carolina.

Before the move, there will be a final interest session about Solarize Triad on Monday, April 6 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library in Greensboro.

“I believe in the sun," said Brown. "It is there for a reason, that big ball of fire, so why not use it?”


  
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