A collaboration between Clean Energy for WNC and The Canary Coalition, the SolarizeWNC campaign aims to bring together solar and energy-efficiency contractors, homeowners, business owners, industries, and local government officials. The second in a series of planned forums was recently held in Franklin. Here’s the update from The Canary Coalition:
Fifty-two people packed into the meeting room at the Macon County Public Library, in Franklin, to participate in the 2nd in a series of 7 SolarizeWNC forums to be held within the next few months in the region encompassing Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain Counties.
The SolarizeWNC campaign is a collaboration between two groups, Clean Energy for WNC and The Canary Coalition in which solar and energy efficiency contractors are brought together with homeowners, business owners, industries, and local government officials who could benefit from their services.
The deeply engaged group listened and watch intently as the contractors and sponsoring organizations gave a detailed presentation that explained the current economics and practicality of investing in energy efficiency improvements and solar energy systems in today’s market in which costs are rapidly dropping for solar as the cost of utility power steadily rises.
They were also informed of three relevant bills that have been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly that would completely change the economic landscape in favor of solar energy, if passed.
H377/S483, The Efficient and Affordable Energy Rates Bill would create an inverted tiered-block electric utility rate structure and an energy efficiency bank to issue low-interest loans for efficiency and solar projects; H245, The Energy Freedom Act, would permit 3rd party sales of electricity in North Carolina, which would allow financing of solar energy systems that would eliminate upfront costs to customers; and,H454/S447 that would provide for an extension of the NC Solar Tax Credit that is due to expire on December 31st of 2015. This bill would extend the 35% tax credit through 2021.
Following the presentation there was a lively question-and-answer period.
Participants were asked to enroll in the program by visiting http://www.cleanenergyfor.us/clean-energy-for-wnc/
Enrolling in the program requires no financial obligation, but enables participants to receive more information and take the first steps necessary to begin an energy efficiency or solar project. Those enrolled qualify for discounted prices provided by the program, amounting on average to 18% below the national average. The next step for enrolled participants, if they so choose, is to schedule a thorough energy audit/evaluation which is provided by the contractor for a discounted price of $100, $20 of which is earmarked as a donation to The Canary Coalition.The next SolarizeWNC Forum will be held Tuesday, April 21, 7 PM, in Waynesville, at the First United Methodist Church, 556 S. Haywood Street.
For more information contact The Canary Coalition, 828-631-3447, info@canarycoalition.org.
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