WHAT IS A SOLARIZE CAMPAIGN?
- The idea started in Portland in 2009.
- It is a community driven group-purchasing campaign.
- Typically, a trusted local non-profit organization (like Snake River Alliance) organizes and manages the campaign.
- Based on a local process, the non-profit selects the best equipment and installers and helps negotiate competitive rates.
The Solarize the Valley program helped 125 families invest more than >$2.5 mil local investment in our region!
SOLARIZE THE VALLEY
Snake River Alliance launched the Solarize the Valley project in 2016 to make going solar simple and affordable. The Alliance issued a request for proposals, received multiple bids and ultimately negotiated low prices for quality equipment with robust warranties. The program was so successful the first year, the Alliance continued the program in 2017 and 2018. In total, the program surpassed its goal and installed over 120 systems, totaling nearly 1 megawatt in capacity, representing a $2.5 million investment in clean energy. The success of the program even helped two installation companies, Tiger Solar (formerly Altenergy) and Bluebird Solar and Light, hire several more employees.
The flurry of installations spanned Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Twin Falls, Emmett, Fruitland, Middleton and Wilder.
Boise homeowner, Jose “Memo” Cordova, is pleased with the results. “One of the main reasons I decided to get solar panels is to lessen my carbon footprint. I’m glad I got solar panels. They’re performing beautifully. I’ve seen a big reduction in my Idaho Power bill and am happy to be saving money, too. I took out a home loan to get my roof replaced, and used part of that to pay for the panels. I think my panels are a long-term investment. I don’t see a downside to any of this.”