##PRESS RELEASE##
For Immediate Release
Central Virginia – The Solarize Virginia program returns May 3 to June 30 to Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, Clarke County, Culpeper County, Fauquier County, Greene County, Loudoun County, Madison County, Orange County, and Rappahannock County.
Adding solar power to your home is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarize Virginia, a program that reduces the cost and complexity of going solar by providing a one-stop-shop for education and installation. This grassroots, community-based outreach initiative is managed by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and presented in partnership with the City of Charlottesville, the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), and participating municipal governments. Through a competitive bidding process, LEAP has named Altenergy and Virtue Solar as their selected campaign installers for 2021.
Since 2014, 546 contracts have been signed through LEAP’s Solarize program, generating more than 4.3 MW of solar capacity and over $12 million in value.
Through June 30, residents can sign up to receive a free solar satellite assessment and home energy assessment, and gain access to discounted prices and vetted installers. LEAP provides ongoing customer support and education throughout the process to make the experience as streamlined as possible. More information is available to all community members at SolarizeVA.org; all are encouraged to join upcoming virtual information sessions as well.
Starting this year, Solarize Virginia is offering participants the opportunity to install battery storage systems, in addition to solar arrays and EV charging stations. While battery storage can be expensive, our campaign installers have provided competitive prices to make them more financially accessible to interested homeowners.
When battery storage is used in conjunction with solar, it gives individuals the opportunity to receive a credit on their utility bill for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy that is sent back to the grid. That way, the utility can use those credits when you need more electricity than your panels are producing. LEAP will help participants determine if battery storage is right for them by evaluating their energy usage and solar potential.
Chris Meyer, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
“At LEAP, we believe in efficiency first. That is why we provide free solar and home energy assessments to all Solarize participants. Now more than ever, we are seeing increased demand and support for solar in Virginia. We are proud to partner with the City of Charlottesville and Piedmont Environmental Council to make solar accessible and affordable to all Central Virginia residents and business owners.”
Susan Elliott, Climate Protection Program Manager, City of Charlottesville
“The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Charlottesville comes from the energy used to power our homes. Putting more solar on rooftops, paired with home energy assessments, will lower resident utility bills, reduce our impact on the electric grid during high heat days, and move Charlottesville closer to meeting our greenhouse gas reduction goals. We’re in a great location for solar power, and the City’s Climate Protection Program is excited to be working with LEAP to offer Solarize in Charlottesville this year.”
Sena McGill, Charlottesville City Council Vice Mayor and Solarize Participant
“Since having my solar installed my bills have been greatly reduced – and the last two months I have not had a power bill at all! Working with the Solarize program made getting solar very easy and the price was much more affordable. I recommend it to everyone who can do it.”
Home and business owners interested in exploring their solar options can sign up today at www.solarizeva.org. Registration is free and requires no commitment until you sign a contract with an installer.
CONTACT: Katie VanLangen, Solarize Program Manager, katiev@leap-va.org, 201-506-7377
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The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. As a trusted nonprofit, LEAP delivers energy-efficient solutions in Virginia to make homes safer, healthier, and more affordable, while reducing energy usage and mitigating climate change.
Website: leap-va.org
Email: info@leap-va.org
Facebook: Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
Twitter: @LEAP_VA
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