From Julie Roth, Solarize Program Coordinator
The next Solarize Ann Arbor meeting is this Saturday Sept 26, 2020 at 2:00pm via Zoom. The meeting is informational. We discuss solar (benefits, costs, pay-back time, how it works, environmental impact, etc), and the Solarize group-buy program (www.a2gov.org/solar). The installer for this group is a solid, larger local installer, and can accommodate a larger than usual group. And more numbers means bigger discounts, so I’m trying to increase outreach.
The host of the event (Ann Arbor residents David and Rachael) talk about why they are going solar, and why they chose their installer. And the installer is there too, for a big Q&A. Then after the meeting, if folks would like an estimate to consider joining the group buy, they just let us know.
For more information, please email Julie Roth, Solarize Program Coordinator juliekayeroth111@gmail.com
This is the Google sign up form to request the Zoom link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Fzadgpr1XLTjAZBNCXmnkF_GSmCCpMSHpOcPy_gppzc/
From the City’s website at: www.a2gov.org/solar
What: Ann Arbor Solarize is a community bulk-buy solar program. We gather neighbors and friends together, along with participating solar installers, to learn about residential solar, get questions answered, and provide the option to come together to bulk purchase solar, allowing for significant savings.
Why: The benefits are robust for individuals, the community, and the planet. The costs of solar have come down significantly over the last decade, panel efficiency is better than ever, and there is a federal tax credit of 22% that applies to all installations performed in 2021. After 2021, the credit will no longer be available. Legislation has recently passed in Lansing eliminating the property tax increase associated with solar, further incentivizing residential adoption. In combination with the bulk-buy savings realized through Solarize, residents can access this green energy source with greater ease.
Who: As part of the City of Ann Arbor’s A2Zero carbon neutrality work, the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations works with local and regional solar Installers, as well as Michigan Saves, a non-profit green bank that facilitates low-interest financing for green upgrades, including solar installations.
How: Our participating installers have all agreed to tiered discounts depending on the number of participants in a Solarize event. These discounts are available because of savings realized by reduced outreach costs for the installers, and potential discounts they can realize by ordering in bulk as well.
To learn more or to sign-up for a Solarize event, please contact the Ann Arbor Solarize program coordinator, Julie Roth, at juliekayeroth111@gmail.com or the OSI Director, Missy Stults (mstults@a2gov.org), for more information.