Solarize Decatur-DeKalb is HERE!

Last Thursday saw the official launch of GIPL's latest collaborative venture, Solarize Decatur-DeKalb. The Decatur Recreation Center welcomed over 125 solar advocates for the kick-off event that seeks to bring affordable solar energy to DeKalb residents, businesses and houses of worship.“I’m so proud our community can serve as the home to the third Community Solarize program in Georgia,” said City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett who welcomed the crowd. “The program sync’s well with our cities own sustainability goals and leadership.”The organizers of the campaign, which include Decatur environmental leaders from the Decatur Environmental Sustainability Board, Environment Georgia, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL), the Georgia Chapter of the Sierra Club, Solar CrowdSource, and community activists from DeKalb County, applauded the turnout and the interest shown online, where over 230 DeKalb Co. residents had signed-up before the program launched.Attendees at the launch event heard from Creative Solar, the residential installer chosen by Solarize Decatur-DeKalb, and from Hannah Solar, the commercial installer, about the materials the installers will use and the process and price participants in the program can expect. SunTrust and BOND Community Credit Union were also on hand to talk about financing options available to residents interested in financing a solar system.“Solar is taking off around the country,” said Jennette Gayer the director of Environment Georgia. “Unfortunately, we are behind in DeKalb Co. where we have around 60 solar installs, we hope this program can triple that number and really make the City of Decatur and DeKalb Co. solar leaders in Georgia.”Moving forward, citizens of DeKalb Co. have until Dec. 31^st to sign up for a free solar evaluation for their home, business or place of worship. There will be several future workshops and more information can be found at www.solarizedecatur-dekalb.com.Contact GIPL at info@gipl.org to learn how your congregation can take advantage of this incredible campaign and be considered for a low-cost solar array.