There has never been a better time to go solar, especially with all of the federal incentives available and the community group purchasing campaign that PEA wants you to be a part of. Electricity rates are only going to increase over time, and these incentives are time-limited.
So, if you have ever thought about a solar investment, these next few years are our moment. You could save tens of thousands of dollars on utility bills and help make your home and neighborhood all the more resilient in the face of a changing climate.
From 30,000 feet, 2023 and 2024 have been triumphant years for renewable energy, with a 50% year-over-year increase in renewable energy output worldwide. These record-breaking numbers aren’t just happening elsewhere, though. North Carolina now ranks 4th in the nation for total solar energy capacity, and major solar investments are happening right here in Forsyth County. With Truliant Federal Credit Union’s solar array at Hanes Mall and The City of Winston-Salem’s new rooftop solar project in Downtown Winston-Salem, it’s exciting to see positive global trends playing out right here in our community.
In fact, Piedmont Environmental Alliance and dozens of other community group partners will soon launch Solarize The Triad, which will be a historic joint effort to bring megawatts of affordable, clean energy to our region of North Carolina. If you are a homeowner, business, or nonprofit that has been solar-curious, please pre-register here for a free solar estimate.
After all, Winston-Salem’s total roofscape is estimated to have the solar potential to meet nearly all of our city’s energy needs, and the economic advantages, public health benefits, and reliability of solar solar have never been more clear.
Solar by Numbers
- Rooftop solar saves a family, on average, more than $1,500 annually. With such systems paying for themselves after 9 or so years, and then operating for more than 25 years, the financial and climate impacts are major
- Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, residential solar investments, including backup battery storage, are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.
- Solar will increase the value of your home; and such an investment is property tax exempt in the state of North Carolina.
Taking Action Now
- Sign up here for a free solar estimate and to learn more about Solarize The Triad, a community group purchasing campaign for solar that PEA is a part of. This campaign is a great way to find a trusted installer, significantly reduce project costs, and go solar alongside hundreds of others in our community.
- Talk to friends, family, and/or neighbors who have solar about their experiences. And if you need someone to connect with, please send a line to will@peanc.org and we will help make that connection for you.