Solarize program takes a new step to include energy storage options. Workshops to be held June 6, July 11
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, solar group-purchasing program for residents of South Santa Barbara County that will run from May 29 – August 30th, 2018.
CEC is has helped over 657 homeowners install solar energy systems through their Solarize programs in the past 7 years. This year’s program in South Santa Barbara County will include energy storage systems and will be offered in partnership with the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria, and the County of Santa Barbara.
The goal of Solarize is to make the process for installing residential solar energy systems simple and affordable. CEC has partnered with two local installers, Brighten Solar and California Solar Electric, selected by a committee of local energy experts to ensure high-quality solar energy system installs. April Price, CEC’s Renewable Energy Specialist explains, “The committee that vets the installers studies the companies, their practices, and their equipment on behalf of area homeowners to select installers that have offer excellent service and equipment.”
Solarize installer partners also offer reduced prices for the Solarize program duration, assuring that homeowners get the best price for a quality solar system. As Santa Barbara resident Jessica McLernon explained, “I was so happy to participate in the Solarize Santa Barbara 2017 program. I reached out to several companies and ultimately chose Brighten because they provided an exceptional level of customer service, use quality materials, care about aesthetics, and they happened to come in with the lowest bid through Solarize. The whole team takes pride in their work and it shows!”
CEC has partnered with the County of Santa Barbara and the Cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria to offer the Solarize program. Solarize Santa Barbara also supports the community-wide 100% renewable electricity targets set by the Cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta. As Santa Barbara City Council member Eric Friedman explained, “The City is working hard to achieve our 100% renewable energy goal. The Solarize SB program will make it easier for residents to implement solar energy projects with the peace of mind that they are working with vetted installers at an affordable price.”
CEC has also included an energy storage option in this year’s Solarize program. Price said, “Southern California Edison will be changing their time of use rates soon, which will make it more expensive to consume energy from the grid in the evening. With grid-tied batteries, homeowners will be able to store the energy that is created from their solar panels during the day and discharge the battery later in the evening when electricity is most expensive. Although these storage systems are an investment, there are tax credits and utility incentives that make them more affordable now. Batteries will also provide energy resilience for homeowners, which has been on everyone’s mind in the last few months.”
Throughout the Solarize program, CEC will host free, educational workshops throughout South Santa Barbara County to help homeowners better understand solar technologies, energy efficiency, energy storage and financing options.
Anyone interested in learning about solar and storage is encouraged to attend one of these upcoming workshops:
Wednesday, June 6th, 6:00 p.m.
City of Santa Barbara’s David Gebhard Public Meeting Room
630 Garden St,
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Wednesday, July 11th, 6:00 p.m.
Goleta Valley Community Center, Room 2
5679 Hollister Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117
Solarize Santa Barbara County participants will also help support CEC’s mission in the community. For each homeowner that goes solar through the program, the solar installers will pay, at no additional cost to the homeowner, a small fee which helps CEC continue to offer Solarize programs in local communities.
To learn more or apply for Solarize Santa Barbara County, homeowners can go to SolarizeSB.org or call (805) 963-0583 x 102.
About the Community Environmental Council (CEC): Since 1970, CEC has led the Santa Barbara region – and at times California and the nation – in creative solutions to some of the toughest environmental problems. CEC innovates and incubates real life solutions in areas with the most impact on climate change. Our programs provide pathways to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems, and reduction of single-use plastic. Find CEC on the web at www.cecsb.org and on Facebook/CECSB and Twitter/CECSB.