Bringing Solar to Everyone in WNC

At Sugar Hollow Solar, we view the transition to renewable energy as a dual commitment to both environmental sustainability and social equity. That’s why we eagerly seized the opportunity to collaborate with the nonprofit Green Built Alliance and participate in their Blue Horizon Project's Neighbor to Neighbor Solar Program. The chance to contribute to social justice in our community by doing what we do best? Count us in. In collaboration with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County, this initiative aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2042 while addressing energy costs, carbon pollution, and equity. We couldn’t be more proud to be part of Neighbor to Neighbor Solar.

Addressing Energy Inequity

Neighbor to Neighbor Solar directly targets the high energy costs disproportionately burdening low-income families. To qualify for this program, families must have an income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, with a specific focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) households. The program not only reduces energy expenses but also promotes environmental sustainability and advances the region's energy goals.

Our Goal: More Than 20 Solar Installations in 2023

Through Neighbor to Neighbor Solar, we’ll install more than 20 solar arrays for eligible homeowners in Buncombe County this year. Each of these 10-module installations will generate about 5,500 kWh annually — enough to offset a good portion of an average single family home. That means by the end of 2023, we’ll be at least 200 active solar modules closer to 100% renewable energy as a community.  As of early summer, we’re nearly halfway there! Let’s take a closer look at two of the homeowners we worked with recently.

Client Spotlights: Savings and Sustainability

The success of the Neighbor to Neighbor Solar program is made possible through the passionate homeowners we’ve been fortunate to meet through this process. When we talked with Lucinda Bickers as we were installing her 10-module rooftop solar array for this program, we asked what inspired her to go solar.

“I’m retired for one thing, and I can always save money. And then there’s the environment. The climate is in trouble,” she said. “And we all have to do our part.” Affordable electricity and doing good for the environment at the same time? That’s the win-win we live for.

There’s a difference between anticipation and reality though, so we love when homeowners give us a ring after their first utility bill powered by solar. It's always a joy to hear their excitement and surprise.

The other day, Lucinda called with fantastic news. Before going solar, Lucinda’s bills hovered around $80-120. Her first month post-solar-install, Lucinda’s bill came down to just $32.40, and the month after, it dropped even further to a mere $19.36! She was delighted to share the good news with us, and we’re glad she did.

Another homeowner we had the chance to install a 10-module solar panel system for shared a similar story.

Shaketia Simpson, an operation director at Discovery Montessori Schoolcom and a single mother to two teenagers, saw her monthly electricity bills shrink from nearly $300 in the winter to below $100. With her savings? Shaketia took her family on a spring break vacation to Florida.

Building Energy Equity One Solar Array at a Time

We’re honored to be selected as the installer for the Neighbor to Neighbor Solar program, led by Blue Horizons Project in collaboration with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. It means everything to us to bring the benefits of solar energy to our community in a socially responsible way. By addressing energy costs and reducing carbon pollution, this initiative supports an equitable transition to a clean-energy future. With the partnership of Sugar Hollow Solar and the commitment of all involved parties, this program sets a precedent for sustainable and inclusive energy solutions in the community we call home.

Applying for Neighbor to Neighbor Solar

Interested in applying? Or maybe you know someone who might be?

You can find instructions on the Blue Horizons Project website. For any questions or further information, Summer Winkler, summer@greenbuilt.org or 828-222-0314, can be contacted.