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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;background:white">
<a name="_Hlk50625707"></a><a name="x__Hlk532890118"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><b><span style="font-size:48.0pt;font-family:"Avenir LT Std 55 Roman";color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><img width="148" height="148" style="width:1.5416in;height:1.5416in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image001.png@01D8E478.FCF82940" alt="A close up of a sign
Description automatically generated"></span></b></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:x__Hlk532890118"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><b><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Avenir LT Std 55 Roman";color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:x__Hlk532890118"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><a name="_Hlk50627857"></a><a name="_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:48.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">NEWS
RELEASE</span></b></span></a></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:x__Hlk532890118"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">For
Immediate Release Date: 10/20/22</span></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Contact:
Public Information Office Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020</span></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:2.5in;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">E-mail: </span></b></span></span></span><a href="mailto:publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><u><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:blue;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:3.0in;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Solarize
the Triangle Reaches Lower-Price Tier 3 Via Early Homeowner Contracts</span></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Durham
residents can apply for free solar assessment through Dec. 31<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Durham,
N.C. – </span></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk86910929"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">The
regionwide community-based group-buying program known as Solarize the Triangle has rapidly reached its 3rd price tier based on early commitments from property owners in the Triangle region to purchase new renewable energy systems for their homes. Durham is
leading the way as the community with the most people signed up for free estimates (more than 155) and tied with Raleigh for the most commitments to install solar through the program.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">The Triangle Sustainability Partnership, a recently formed local
government partnership of 11 communities, forged the program to enable residents and businesses to save on the ordinary cost of solar energy and battery power through combined purchasing with others across the Triangle plus the availability of a federal tax
credit. The participating governments thoroughly vetted the solar installers and selected
</span></span></span><a href="https://yessolarsolutions.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Yes Solar Solutions</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">
as the exclusive partner for this turn-key program. Yes Solar is a Cary-based, fully licensed NC general contractor with more than 1,600 projects installed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">The more residents and business owners who contract for solar installations
through the program, the more savings accrue for all participants. The 3rd price tier in the program ($2.95/watt) was reached in October through initial contracts totaling 290.4 kW. Once these installations are activated, 544,790 lbs. of CO2 per year in the
Triangle region will be avoided – the equivalent of more than 27 homes' energy use for one year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">All homeowners who purchase during the campaign, regardless of when,
will be provided with the lowest price ($2.68 /watt) if Tier 8 is reached. Enrollment – which is to simply sign up – is underway now through Dec. 31 at
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.solarizethetriangle.com"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">www.solarizethetriangle.com</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">The timing of the campaign couldn’t be better for financial and
legal reasons. The federal government’s newly passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) means that federal tax credits have increased to 30 percent in savings for newly installed solar energy systems and batteries. Additionally, the NC Supreme Court recently
ruled that in most cases Home Owners Associations (HOA) cannot restrict residents from installing solar panels where they will generate the most energy. That means that people who were previously blocked from installing solar on the front of their homes due
to aesthetic restrictions from the HOA are now able to move forward with installation if that is where they get the most sun exposure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">“We are really excited about the response to the program so far
and are optimistic that more people will sign up, so we hit Tier-8 pricing,” said Durham County Sustainability Manager Tobin Freid. “This is a very easy way to save a lot of money on installing solar energy systems on a home or business. If someone’s been
thinking about it, now is the time to act.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Throughout this 2022 campaign, the Partnership will continue to
offer clean-energy education and outreach events with a goal of increasing participation through a better understanding of rooftop solar components, suitability assessment considerations, and contract provisions. A recording of the September session can be
found </span></span></span><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/Goza2g95A-vUmS8bFzpdDa8gTb63ibtjut0y7GeIFrhEAFHZ2oMT3lvv3p6EbLrdhqCtmyRQNPRREq3_.rsSJEqB5JDz6qtEq?startTime=1664404313000&_x_zm_rtaid=qajVwJLxS2-sv39QnfqUrw.1666044260911.33b72f39626105f468882e007e6d76c8&_x_zm_rhtaid=754"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">here</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Interested property owners may go to
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.solarizethetriangle.com"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">solarizethetriangle.com</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">
to learn more about the program and sign up for a free, no-obligation evaluation. All solar and battery installations are expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">The objectives of the regional program include:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:-13.5pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Making solar energy more affordable: lower the cost of solar energy through the power
of group-purchasing and reduced acquisition costs. Savings passed to residents of the Triangle region;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:-13.5pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Making solar energy more accessible: contractor(s), materials and pricing will be highly
vetted for best practices using a competitive bid process;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:-13.5pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Education and community engagement: widespread community engagement, education and outreach
activities through town hall meetings, workshops, solar “open house” gatherings, and outreach through local community groups and events;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:-13.5pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Promoting solar-positive policies: encourage local governments to adopt streamlined solar
energy permitting policies and fair utility distributed generation policies; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:-13.5pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Giving back: Solarize the Triangle and selected contractors will use a portion of campaign
proceeds to donate a solar energy system to a deserving local nonprofit organization and/or help to underwrite solar-energy systems for qualified low- and moderate-income families with high energy burdens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">Helping to facilitate the program on behalf of the members is
</span></span></span><a href="https://www.tjcog.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">The Triangle J Council
of Governments</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">
and </span></span></span><a href="http://solarcrowdsource.com"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">Solar CrowdSource</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">About Solarize the Triangle</span></b></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif">:
Solarize the Triangle is a campaign developed via the Triangle J Council of Governments. Communities involved include Chatham County, City of Raleigh, Durham County, City of Durham, Town of Cary, Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Hillsborough, Town of Carrboro,
Town of Apex, Town of Morrisville and Orange County. Lowering the cost of solar-energy and battery-storage installations through the power of bulk purchasing, reducing contractor acquisition costs, and transferring those savings to residential and commercial
residents is the objective of the campaign, which launched in August 2022. <o:p>
</o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">###</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50627857"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk50625707"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Avenir Next LT Pro",sans-serif;color:#201F1E"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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