Affordable Renewable Energy Campaign to Launch in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to Boost Local Solar Energy and Battery Installation
Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg, a new community-based campaign aimed at making solar energy and battery power more affordable and accessible for all, is set to launch Wednesday, June 25.
As a community-based group-purchasing program, Solarize campaigns are driven by bulk buying among local residents. The more participants who purchase solar energy systems or batteries, the greater the savings for all purchasers.
The Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg program aims to make solar energy more affordable through the power of group purchasing and more accessible with predetermined, highly vetted materials, pricing and contractors selected through a competitive bid process. The campaign also prioritizes community engagement and promoting solar-positive policies.
Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg is already accepting advance registrations for the campaign. Interested property owners may go to the program website to learn more. There is no obligation to enroll. Nearly 40 residents have already signed up for free to learn more.
A free public launch event that introduces and highlights the new, region-wide group-purchasing program for local residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations will also be held Wednesday, June 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Innovation Barn, located at 932 Seigle Ave. in Charlotte.
During this event, attendees can learn how this unique, time-limited campaign offers pathways for property owners to reduce energy expenses and increase savings on the cost of renewable energy systems.
The event, which is open to the public, will feature:
- Community leaders and representatives from the coalition that developed Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg
- An introduction of the locally chosen installer company selected through competitive bidding
- Insights into the benefits of solar energy and battery storage from experts, as well as how discounted pricing works in a group-buying campaign
- Information on how area homeowners and businesses/commercial property owners can enroll for a free, no-obligation assessment of their property through Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg
- Q&A along with light refreshments.
The campaign, which runs through October, is the first of its kind in the region and the work of a local partnership forged by the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, the Town of Davidson, and Centralina Regional Council.
“Recognizing that residents in our county have expressed interest in group solar purchasing, and seeing success in our sister counties, it was an easy decision to bring a Solarize campaign to Mecklenburg County,” said Erin Stanforth, sustainability and resiliency manager for Mecklenburg County. “We encourage everyone to tell their friends and neighbors about the environmental benefits of bringing solar to your community. The more people who participate, the lower the cost will be.”
The campaign will continue with free enrollment until Oct. 31. Following the enrollment period, the deadline for residential contracts to be signed is Dec. 31. The commercial contract deadline is March 31, 2026. Installations are anticipated to continue beyond the outreach period with the goal of all installations complete on or before April 15, 2026.