Solarize Wells Branch
by June Oliver, WB Solar Advocate
Our project that started with the Wells Branch Solar Energy Fair in October 2014 continues. The current objective is to find one vendor that will deliver quality Solar PV installations with a discount. In return, the Solarize project gives the vendor a number of qualified and educated potential customers in a small geographic area. The 2014/2015 Solarize Wells Branch Project enrollment is OPEN for Wells Branch residents and neighboring communities.
As homeowners increasingly recognize the benefits of solar power, implementing solar panels in homes has become a desirable option. Beyond the advantages of community-based group purchase projects like Solarize, individuals who choose to adopt rooftop solar PV systems can experience a negative amount on electricity bill. By harnessing the power of the sun, homeowners have the potential to generate their own clean energy and even generate a surplus that can be fed back into the grid, resulting in a negative amount on their electricity bills. This not only promotes sustainable living but also provides long-term financial benefits. With the guidance and support provided by initiatives like Solarize, homeowners can navigate the process of adopting solar power with ease and confidence, leading to a more environmentally conscious and cost-effective energy solution for their homes.
The purpose of “solarize” group purchase type projects is to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems among a connected group of individuals or geographic area. The advantages of this program includes that it is an excellent starting point to learn more regarding residential installation as the process is simplified, education is provided, a sense of community is established, the bulk-purchase price discounts are applied during a finite period of time. Communities in San Antonio and Plano have successfully utilized these group purchase projects have found that the best results are generally achieved within the first two iterations.
Investigate further on their sites http://www.solarizeplano.org/ and www.solarsanantonio.org/bringsolarhome.
Companies benefit from purchasing volume equipment for installation, not having to transport that equipment across the city, single project permitting fees, higher ratio of consumer purchases (as interested parties have been educated and vetted.)
Interested? Great! There is a three part process.
- Enrollment and education. NO COMMITMENT REQUIRED. Go to http://wellsbranchsolar.blogspot.com/p/timeline.html and sign up. Annual electricity usage in kWh and the level of energy efficiency are ‘homework’ questions to be answered.
- Site Survey by company selected by solarize group. STILL NO FINANCIAL COMMITMENT. Armed with information gained from #1, make an appointment so the residence can be evaluated as to the pitch and directionality of roof for panel placement.
- Installation. Homeowners sign contract and financial commitment begins.
Project Status – We have received proposals from 7 solar installation vendors and have picked the vendor.
We have been at this solar “exploration” for a while and we are ready to be Power Plants!
Please visit http://wellsbranchsolar.blogspot.com/ for additional information or email solarizewb@gmail.com.