For Immediate Release: 03-21-2022

Contact: Diego Betts

Solarize Program Coordinator

diegob@walkingmountains.org | (970) 328-8777

Program offers exclusive discounts to residents and businesses interested in going solar; virtual launch event on April 5! 

Avon, Colo., March 21, 2022 - Eagle County is set to take part in Solarize, a limited time community program model developed by Solar Forward, a part of Solar Energy International. This program makes going solar easier and less expensive for residents and businesses. The initiative originated from the Energy Supply working group of the local Climate Action Collaborative and is executed through the Energy Smart Colorado program at Walking Mountains Science Center.

Walking Mountains has partnered with Active Energies Solar to launch a 13-week outreach and education campaign, starting with a virtual launch event on Tuesday, April 5 at 4:30 p.m. This virtual launch will include an overview of Solarize Eagle County, the enrollment process, available rebates, and steps to take if you are interested in purchasing a Solar PV system for your home or business. There will be a Q&A session after the presentation. There will also be an in-person launch event at Walking Mountains Science Center on April 29 at 5:30 p.m. More information about the program and events can be found at walkingmountains.org/solarize.

"We know that combating climate change will be a monumental effort. It will take action from all of us to meet our collective goals. That is why we've chosen to work with these partners for Solarize Eagle County. Together, we can inspire our community to make meaningful adjustments that will help meet local climate action goals," said Melissa Kirr, Sr. Director of Sustainability at Walking Mountains.

The enrollment period is April 8 – July 8. If community members are interested in going solar, they are highly encouraged to attend the launch events on April 5 and April 29 to learn more. They can register for the program with an online form, and will then be eligible for a free remote site assessment over the phone from the program coordinators, followed by a no-cost, no-commitment, assessment on their property from Active Energies Solar, before choosing if they want to sign a contract or not. Businesses are highly encouraged to participate and are only required to have a solar site assessment done by Active Energies Solar. For residential projects, a no-cost home energy assessment is required after signing a contract, but participants can get an assessment before signing if they wish to get the process started sooner. An energy assessment allows residents to learn more about how their space uses energy. Residential participants will receive a comprehensive report that includes recommended efficiency, weatherization, and electrification projects to get the most value out of their solar installation.

Participants who choose to sign a contract and go solar during the timeframe of the program will be eligible for an exclusive program discount on equipment costs offered by Active Energies Solar. Rebates from Holy Cross Energy and Energy Smart Colorado are also available to those who qualify.

The Solarize Program in Eagle County has been made possible in part by Solar Energy International’s Solar Forward Program, a program that aims to support rural communities throughout Colorado in growing their solar markets.

About Walking Mountains Science Center 501(c)3: Walking Mountains Science Center's mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As a community leader in environmental stewardship and climate action, Walking Mountains spearheads many initiatives in the Eagle River Valley including the Climate Action Collaborative and energy efficiency and assistance programs.

About Active Energies Solar, LLC: Founded in 2006, Active Energies Solar, LLC has been a leader in the development of solar energy and verification services for clients throughout Colorado and in many regional locations. The owners and staff and Active Energies Solar, LLC contribute to the community by sharing our time, our energy and our knowledge. Whether we’re helping low-income families achieve affordable energy bills, volunteering for our favorite non-profits, or visiting local classrooms to teach the next generation about energy resources, we are a committed community partner.

About Solar Energy International: Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization with the mission to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. SEI envisions a world powered by renewable energy!

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