On May 1, Solar Energy International (SEI) will be launching the Solarize North Fork Valley program, a 3 month energy efficiency and solar educational campaign in the North Fork Valley (Paonia, Hotchkiss & Crawford) running from May 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015.
Check out the details on our website: https://www.solarenergy.org/solarize-north-fork/

Events:

May 1, 2015

Paonia Launch Event – Western Colorado Solar Fair (Open and Free to the Public) – Solar Energy International, Paonia Campus
Exhibitors, Live Music, Light snacks & cheer – Program starts at 5:30pm

May 5, 2015

Hotchkiss Launch Event – Memorial Hall, Hotchkiss

May 7, 2015

Crawford Launch Event – Town Park, Crawford

Solarize North Fork Valley is aimed at making grid-tied PV more accessible to residents and businesses. The goals of Solarize are to increase energy efficiency and solar awareness in our communities, lower the cost of solar electric (PV) systems for participating residents, and significantly ramp up adoption of PV throughout the North Fork Valley in a way that can be sustained beyond the time-frame of Solarize, creating long term employment in the industry.

For many residents, the most complicated aspect of going solar is knowing where to begin. Solarize is all about providing an easy starting point. During the three month enrollment period, residents of the North Fork Valley will be able to sign up for a free remote solar site assessment and quote for a grid-tied PV system from SEI. These “hot leads” will then be passed along to the pre-selected Solarize PV installer. Based on the number of contracts the installer is able to sign with Solarize customers, the per watt installed cost will be set for everyone who is participating in the program. The more contracts signed during the enrollment period, the lower the cost is for everyone as the selected installer is able to save money on customer acquisition costs. This tiered pricing structure will help bring down the cost of solar for everyone, and promote residents encouraging their neighbors to consider going solar too!

The educational campaign will consist of events where residents will have opportunities to learn about grid-tied solar technology, net metering, energy efficiency measures, financing options, incentives and rebates, and pose any questions to our team of solar professionals. Those interested in staying in the loop about upcoming events can join the Solarize North Fork Valley email list by contacting Kristen O’Brien, Solarize North Fork Valley Coordinator at 970.527.7657 x 213, [email protected].

Solarize North Fork Valley will launch at the Western CO Solar Fair May 1, taking place at the Solar Energy International (SEI) Paonia campus, 39845 Mathews Lane, beginning at 5:30pm. The Solar Fair is a free event open to the public, where residents can come learn about the Solarize program, and enjoy live music, local beverages, light snacks and cheer. The event is being co-hosted by Climate Colorado, and will include information on the Western Slope Climate Challenge.

Solarize North Fork Valley is modeled off of a program started in Portland, OR.

Media Contact:
Kristen O’Brien
970-527-7657 x 213
[email protected]