The Community Environmental Council Announces Final Week of “Solarize Santa Barbara”

Last Day to Register: Friday, November 9, 2012

Last Day to Sign Contract Extended to Saturday, November 17

In August 2012, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) launched “Solarize Santa Barbara”, a three-month group purchasing discount program for homeowners in Southern Santa Barbara County. The program is now in its final week, and time is ticking away for homeowners who want to harness the power – and affordability – of the sun in their homes.

“Solar has never been as easy or affordable as it is now,” said Megan Birney, Energy Programs Manager at the Community Environmental Council. “Through Solarize Santa Barbara, homeowners can take advantage of group purchasing for lower costs. In addition we are available throughout the process as an unbiased expert resource. We walk you through all of the technical and financial details of going solar with the goal of reducing your electricity bills immediately.”

“Solarize Santa Barbara” is a group purchasing discount program for homeowners in Southern Santa Barbara County who want to go solar. The program kicked off August 8, 2012 and while the last day to sign up for the program is November 9, 2012, CEC recently announced that homeowners will have one more week to sign a contract: November 17, 2012 During this time, South Santa Barbara County residents are able to purchase solar at a set price, from two local installers: California Solar Electric and REC Solar. After a rigorous application process, CEC selected REC Solar and California Solar Electric based on their experience, quality and price, and because they are giving homeowners the best solar systems at the best value.

Homeowners can get more information on the website: SolarizeSB.org or by calling (805) 963-0583 x 105.

With the CEC acting as the “middleman”, “Solarize Santa Barbara” aims to:

• Reduce the costs of solar because community purchasing programs offer better discounts than individual buys
• Simplify contractor selection process
• Ensure quality
• Increase the amount of renewable energy in southern Santa Barbara County.

In order to participate, Solarize Santa Barbara participants must:

• Live within the service territory (Southern Santa Barbara County which includes the cities of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Goleta and the Gaviota area).
• Own a home that is suitable for solar installation.
• Sign a contract with one of the CEC’s pre-qualified installers by November 17, 2012.

To apply for “Solarize Santa Barbara”, homeowners can go to www.SolarizeSB.org for the simple, 5-minute application process. Within 48 hours of application, the solar installers will contact applicants to set up home evaluations. Homeowners can also get more information on Facebook here

In addition to getting a discounted price for solar power, Solarize Santa Barbara participants will be helping to support CEC’s mission. Included in the purchase price is a small one-time fee ($0.15 per installed watt) that is based on the size of their solar installation and will be paid by California Solar Electric and REC Solar directly to CEC. This fee will help CEC continue to promote renewable energy in the Central Coast region and be self-sustaining, with no additional cost to the homeowner.

Through “Solarize Santa Barbara”, CEC’s goal is to “solarize” 30 homes in Southern Santa Barbara County.

About the Community Environmental Council

Since 1970, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) has led the Santa Barbara region – and at times California and the nation – in creative solutions to some of the toughest environmental problems. Today CEC is focused on eliminating the use of fossil fuels in the Central Coast region in one generation – Fossil Free by ’33. Find CEC on the web at www.cecsb.org on Twitter @CECSB and on Facebook here.