Solarize Allegheny, a community-supported solar campaign, will officially launch with a kick off celebration in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Pittsburgh on February 8 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Pino’s Restaurant, 6738 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh.

Local dignitaries, including Councilman Dan Gilman and representatives from Mayor Bill Peduto’s office will be attending to show support of the program.  A brief presentation about the program will be offered along with appetizers and a cash bar.

The goal of Solarize Allegheny is to double the number of installations across the County in just two years.

In addition to a robust on-the-ground outreach campaign, Solarize Allegheny will also incorporate a valuable online tool for residents and businesses that helps them connect directly to local, pre-screened, qualified solar installers who will offer competitive bids, guidance and help them get solar on their homes and businesses.

The Point Breeze Organization is the lead partner for Solarize Allegheny’s local campaign -- Solarize Point Breeze. “Point Breeze is a gem of a neighborhood and we are now shining brighter with this solar initiative,” said Larry Gerson, president, Point Breeze Organization.

Phase 1 of Solarize Allegheny launches in Point Breeze, and will be closely followed by three other communities.  Each campaign will run for the next 20 weeks. Phase 2 of Solarize Allegheny will likely start in another four to five communities in late Spring of 2015.

The Solarize Allegheny program is an offshoot of the very successful Solarize model that the award-winning non-profit organization SmartPower has brought to other states across the country. The program has helped dramatically increase the adoption of solar in participating communities.

Financing offerings, including zero down loans, now provide homeowners with the ability to go solar with no money upfront and will save them thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system.

For those with qualifying incomes, the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority offers a 0 percent interest loan which can be used for solar and energy efficiency, which brings down the cost of solar to much less than what people are paying every month for their electric bill.

"I'm pleased to support Solarize Allegheny's effort to double the number of solar installations throughout the County," said Councilman Dan Gilman. "I'm especially happy to see Point Breeze lead the way in showing residents the true viability of solar energy."

“With homeowners facing increasingly high costs to run their homes, they are looking for ways to reduce costs and make it more affordable for them to stay in their homes for years to come,” said Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “Solar does just that – while also providing all the environmental benefits we all know so well. We couldn’t be more proud to bring the successful Solarize program to Allegheny County.”

Workshop

A Solarize Point Breeze workshop will also be held on February 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the St. Bede School Cafeteria, 690 Edgerton Ave, in Point Breeze, that will provide Point Breeze home and business owners with a chance to learn more about the benefits of going solar and to meet the selected solar installers.

Registration for both events can be found online.

Solarize Allegheny is made possible through support from the Heinz Endowments and the non-profit organization, SmartPower, as well as from volunteers from the Point Breeze Organization who are spearheading this effort in their community.

For more information, visit the Solarize Allegheny website or contact Sharon Pillar, SmartPower Vice President, by sending email to: spillar@smartpower.org. 

2/2/2015