About Solarize the Triangle
The region's efforts to expand solar broke national records and resulted in several hundred rooftop solar installations in Raleigh and the Triangle!
Solarize The Triangle was a community-based group-purchasing program for solar energy, battery storage, and other clean energy technologies that helped homeowners, businesses and nonprofits become more resilient, reduce energy expenses, and save on the cost of renewable energy systems by obtaining volume discounts on materials and installation services.
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. More than 2,000 participants signed up for an assessment in 2022 and 2023, and hundreds of installations have been completed. The program is now closed, although similar programs are likely in the future.
In Raleigh alone we saw:
- 600.81 kW of new solar energy capacity in Raleigh, producing 835,779 kWh of energy annually
- $108,651 in annual savings for participants
- $1.6 million in clean energy development
This community-wide investment in clean energy avoids 560 tons of CO2 emitted every year. That's like taking 125 cars off the road or planting over 9,000 trees!
Solarize Low-to-Moderate Income Program
As part of the Solarize the Triangle campaign, Raleigh created a one-year pilot program that will provide full funding for rooftop solar systems in the city. The program is available to low-to-moderate income households.
This program supports the City's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainability goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. It will also lower the electricity bills of participating homeowners and renters by installing solar PV systems on their rooftops.
There are two basic criteria for eligibility for the program:
- Income. The program is available to low-to-moderate income households, meaning an income of no more than 120 percent of the area median income.
- Roof age. Because older roofs often will replacement, they are not good candidates for solar installations. The roof should be no more than five years old.
Funding is limited for this pilot program, which will cover approximately 15-20 solar installations. Depending on the results of the pilot, the program could be extended into future years.
Raleigh is working with the Central Pines Regional Council on this program and has a pre-selected contractor, Yes Solar, to do the installations. The Regional Council will work with the residents to confirm interest and set up a site visit to ensure feasibility.
For initial inquiries and confirmation of eligibility, please contact Jason Hardin at 919-996-4256 or Jason.Hardin@raleighnc.gov.