In March 2021, Raleigh city leaders outlined a community-wide plan to reduce city-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 (a goal City Council established in May 2019). A major component of the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is to reduce emissions from energy use.

To help achieve its climate goal, Raleigh partnered with 10 other Triangle communities to launch Solarize the Triangle, a campaign developed by the Triangle Sustainability Partnership to make solar energy more affordable and accessible. The high-impact climate action program, which officially kicked off last night at the NCMA, will help Raleighites install solar energy systems at reduced costs.

Why Solar?

Solar power is a clean and renewable energy alternative to traditional power sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy which is typically less expensive than fossil fuels. In 2020, it was distinguished as the cheapest electricity in history by the International Energy Agency.

How the program works

Triangle residents, businesses, and local nonprofits can save money on renewable energy systems through community group purchasing. In other words, the more people who sign up for solar installations through the program, the more savings add up for all participants. Think: discounts on materials and installation services.

The program also gives back to the community by using a portion of its proceeds to donate or put money toward solar energy systems for nonprofits or low- and moderate-income families.

Community members must enroll for the project by Sat., Dec. 31. The residential contract deadline is March 31 + the commercial and nonprofit deadline is June 30.

As of yesterday afternoon — before the kick off event — 126 participants across the City of Raleigh, City of Durham; Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties; and the towns of Apex, Cary, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Morrisville have already signed up.