Who are Plano Solar Advocates (PSA)?
We are a grassroots group of volunteers with the mission to increase awareness and use of solar energy for electricity generation in Plano. Learn more at www.planosolar.org
2015 "Go Solar at Home" Pilot Project (Complete)
See our blog posting "Go Solar at Home" for information.
2014 Solarize Plano Project - PROJECT COMPLETED
If you don't live in Plano, check out SolarizeTexas.org to learn about other solarize projects starting to shine all across Texas!
(Click HERE for a announcement in pdf to download and share.)
2013 Solarize Plano Project - COMPLETED
(Historical information)
Information about the original pilot project is given below. As the project progressed, updates were posted on the running blog on the home page. While the original pilot project is now closed, the introductory post is shared here. Check back on the home page to learn about upcoming projects.
We are a grassroots group of volunteers with the mission to increase awareness and use of solar energy for electricity generation in Plano. Learn more at www.planosolar.org
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[NOTICE: The Go Solar at Home Project is now completed. Information that follows on this page is provided for background and reference. See our home page for any updated projects information.]
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2015 "Go Solar at Home" Pilot Project (Complete)
See our blog posting "Go Solar at Home" for information.
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[NOTICE: The Solarize Plano Projects are now completed. Information that follows on this page related to these projects is included for background and reference for other groups considering a solarize project. For an overall summary of the completion of the projects, see Solarize Project Summaries.]
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2014 Solarize Plano Project - PROJECT COMPLETED
January 17, 2014
Introducing the 2014 Solarize Plano Project
**** Project Completed ****
(commitment to learn, NOT buy)
(watch 2 minute youtube introduction video)
Introducing the 2014 Solarize Plano Project
**** Project Completed ****
(commitment to learn, NOT buy)
(watch 2 minute youtube introduction video)
In collaboration with Live Green in Plano, Plano Solar Advocates is pleased to announce a second round program to help “Solarize Plano” homes. This program will connect residential homeowners that are ready to install solar, with local, qualified installers and will take advantage of generous local utility incentives that are available for a limited time. This “group purchase” process will reduce anxiety typical with a large purchase and increase customer satisfaction throughout the quote and installation process. Plano Solar Advocate (PSA) volunteers will educate, coordinate and provide technical support for homeowners (and all other stakeholders) throughout this process.
All across the United States, groups are using this "solarize" approach to enable the installation of clean and cost effective solar energy for rooftop distributed electricity generation.
All across the United States, groups are using this "solarize" approach to enable the installation of clean and cost effective solar energy for rooftop distributed electricity generation.
- See Solar Group/Bulk Purchase from the Community Power Network website.
- Also, watch a short 3 min video about "solarize" concepts titled Purchasing Solar Collectively with Solarize
If you don't live in Plano, check out SolarizeTexas.org to learn about other solarize projects starting to shine all across Texas!
(Click HERE for a announcement in pdf to download and share.)
2013 Solarize Plano Project - COMPLETED
(Historical information)
Information about the original pilot project is given below. As the project progressed, updates were posted on the running blog on the home page. While the original pilot project is now closed, the introductory post is shared here. Check back on the home page to learn about upcoming projects.
Introducing the Solarize Plano Pilot Project
In collaboration with Live Green in Plano, Plano Solar Advocates is pleased to announce a pilot program to help “Solarize Plano” homes. This program will connect residential homeowners that are ready to install solar, with local, qualified installers and will take advantage of generous local utility incentives that are available for a limited time. This “group purchase” process will reduce anxiety typical with a large purchase and increase customer satisfaction throughout the quote and installation process. Plano Solar Advocate (PSA) volunteers will educate, coordinate and provide technical support for homeowners (and all other stakeholders) throughout this process.
All across the United States, groups are using this "solarize" approach to enable the installation of clean and cost effective solar energy for distributed electricity generation. You can learn more and see examples of many successful solarize projects from the Community Power Network website. (See Solar Group/Bulk Purchase.) Also, a short 3 min video about "solarize" concepts is available at this URL - https://www.eeremultimedia.energy.gov/solar/videos/purchasing_solar_collectively_solarize
All across the United States, groups are using this "solarize" approach to enable the installation of clean and cost effective solar energy for distributed electricity generation. You can learn more and see examples of many successful solarize projects from the Community Power Network website. (See Solar Group/Bulk Purchase.) Also, a short 3 min video about "solarize" concepts is available at this URL - https://www.eeremultimedia.energy.gov/solar/videos/purchasing_solar_collectively_solarize
Solarize Plano Program Highlights and Timeline:
(Please check this site frequently for program/content updates!)
Program Setup (thru June 30, 2013)
- Initial planning, develop partnerships with trusted organizations (LGIP), meet with local utility (Oncor), local solar installers, and City of Plano Inspectors, review financial options (City of Plano Smart Energy Loan Program, Credit Unions, etc.)
- Volunteer recruitment, RFP (Request for Proposal) and Outreach committees established
- Begin customer enrollment via website **** Project Completed *** ,
- Outreach committee hosts information workshop for prospective/enrolled homeowners to discuss local utility (Oncor) incentives, federal investment tax credit, and financing options. The RFP will also be drafted. Date/Location TBD
- Community outreach via various marketing options including, website, blog, emails, print materials, flyers, local festivals, farmers market, press release, etc.
- Complete customer enrollment! Completed via website, **** Project Completed *** or by phone, (972) 468-1485.
- Workshops with participants to discuss completed RFP, technical details of the solar PV installation, and to select the preferred installer. Date/Location TBD
- Install solar systems on Plano homes!
- Status updates, monitor installations, periodic team meetings, problem resolution and correction when needed
- Tour of new installations, Celebrations!
To participate in the Solarize Plano Program select this link
**** Project Completed ***
to provide your basic information and PSA will contact you with further details.
This program directly addresses concerns voiced by Plano residents who participated in PSA surveys.
General summary of responses:
- 72% were not aware of existing solar incentives or tax credits (67% last year)
- Aside from the concern of cost, the top three reasons cited for not having pursued installation of a solar power system were the same as last year, with a slightly different order of these type three responses.
- Don't know where to buy it (#2 last year)
- Don't know who would install it (#3 last year)
- Lack of confidence in selecting the proper system (#1 last year)
You are encouraged to take the current survey by selecting the link below.
To see the results of earlier surveys, go to our SURVEY page at
http://www.planosolar.org/p/survey.html
http://www.planosolar.org/p/survey.html
Note:
To track the growth of installed PV solar capacity in Plano, Solar Installers will report installations to the Open PV Project