What Is "Solarize Hillsborough?" - A Template For Any Community

What is Solarize Hillsborough?

• Solarize Hillsborough is a grassroots initiative that makes solar simple and affordable for the people of Hillsborough.

How does it work?

• We partner with local solar businesses for group discountsand affordable financing. We pass those savings on to you and your community.
• And, we help you optimize your tax incentives and maximize your electricity bill savings.
• We've taken the guess work out of finding a solar installer. Our installer partners, Southern Energy Management and Yes! Solar Solutions, were selected after rigorous review by solar experts and local community leaders.
• Best of all, we connect you with neighborhood volunteers andsolar experts to guide youeach step of the way.

Step 1: Free home solar assessment

• When you sign up, we'll schedule you for a free home solar assessment. There is no commitment here, just a straightforward assessment of your solar options.
• Your assessment will be conducted by our Solarize Hillsborough installers -- eitherSouthern Energy Managementor Yes! Solar Solutions.These companies have beenvetted by a rigorous proposal process and reviewed by local experts.
• What if your assessment suggests solar isn't suitable for your home? What if you are a renter? You can still put your tax credits to work by joining acommunity solar project to put panels on a public site.

Step 2: Maximize your savings

• Your solar assessment will provide options custom fit to your home site, electricity demands, and financing needs. We've streamlined the process so the installer will set up your system, obtain the necessary permits, and coordinate the interconnection with your electric utility.
• With the Solarize Hillsborough negotiated price, you can be confident that you are getting a great value. Here is how the costs break down for a typical 4 kW installation on a Hillsborough home:

• Average retail price	$ 19,000
  Solarize Hillsborough	$ 16,080
  35% NC tax credit	$ 5,628
  Est. Federal tax credit	$ 3,417
  Net cost	$ 7,035

• Solarize Hillsborough has tiered pricing. When more people in Orange County go solar, everyone's cost goes down even more. Here are the discounts for the 4 kW example.

• When Solarize installations exceed...	The discount for a typical 4 kW home installation is...
  15 kW (Tier 2)	$ 280
  50 kW (Tier 3)	$ 800
  200 kW (Tier 4)	$ 1,080

• Your discount will depend on the size of your system. Details here.
• The first step is to get 15 kW contracted to activate Tier 2:
• 0 kW CONTRACTED
  15 kW NEEDED TO REACH TIER 2
• And you don't have to wait for the lowest price. You will not be billed for the final 10% of the cost until the lowest price is set at the end of the program.
• Finally, make sure you take advantage of valuable state and federal tax credits that could save up to 65%. We'll send you a reminder during tax season.
• Have any questions? Our local experts and neighborhood volunteers are here to help. Just send me an email (rob.pinder@solarizenc.org) or post to our forum.

Step 3: Enjoy the benefits of solar

• Spend less money on electricity. Spend more money on the things you love.
• It's that simple.
• But there's more than just the dollars and cents. Fossil fuels pollute our air, poison our drinking water, and give rise to climate change. When your home goes solar, your energy is local, independent, and safe for us and future generations.

Step 4: Spread the word

• Your solar home will be great. But to get to a clean, independent energy future, we need everyone involved.
• When you spread the word, your friends and neighbors will thank you. And the costs will go down for everyone.
• There are a lot of ways to help out. You could share this page with your neighborhood's email list, like our page on facebook, or volunteer to help out with Solarize Hillsborough.

Sign up today!

• When you join during our early sign up period, one of our installer partners will be in contact with you to schedule your free home solar assessment, and you are eligible to participate in our tiered pricing group discounts.

Join Solarize Hillsborough

  I'd like a free solar assessment for         A home I own         A commercial property I own         I rent, but I'm still interested!         other        My electric utility isInterested in community solar?Volunteer to help organize your neighborhood!

Comments or Questions? Contact Us: info@solarizenc.org