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2 <br /> • The administrator of the program (Solar Crowdsource) releases an <br /> RFP in which local solar installers guarantee pricing in a tiered <br /> pricing system that offers those who sign up and install during the <br /> campaign a cheaper price as the numbers of installations increase. <br /> • Programs can include incentives or free systems to low-income <br /> families if local governments provide funds for that purpose. <br /> • Each jurisdiction that participates will have a personalized campaign <br /> (e.g. "Solarize Orange County"). <br /> The Solarize model has been proven successful in other communities, most <br /> recently in Asheville-Buncombe County and Savannah, GA. It enables <br /> bundling of individual solar PV systems to achieve economies of scale. <br /> Costs are further reduced by shifting marketing from the installer to the <br /> program administrators. This is a turn-key program so it will not take up a <br /> lot of Orange County staff time but can result in large benefits to the <br /> community. <br /> TJCOG is administering the Solarize the Triangle Partnership with a partner <br /> called Solar Crowdsource to conduct two regional campaigns with <br /> consistent, individual community branding (summer 2022 and summer <br /> 2023). The structure and assistance will be provided through a partnership <br /> with Solar CrowdSource, with key elements of the program determined by <br /> the partners. TJCOG is prepared to launch the 2022 campaign later this <br /> summer. A community wide campaign launch event is scheduled for August <br /> 10, 2022 which will provide details on pricing and equipment options. <br /> Eductaion and outreach opportunities will be varied and include town hall <br /> meetings, workshops, on-line informational webinars, solar tours and <br /> outreach through local community groups and events. <br /> What does it cost to participate? <br /> Each local government contributes to the administration costs of running the <br /> program, but program participants pay the full cost of installing the solar on <br /> their homes, non-profits, or businesses. Orange County's portion is $1 ,495 <br /> for program administration to cover the two-year program. <br /> There is an option for local governments to provide subsidies for low-income <br /> households to participate in the program. This would allow those who do not <br /> have disposable income or the benefits of tax credits to benefit from solar <br /> 2 <br />