Empowering Change Together: Sugar Hollow Solar's Partnership with MountainTrue
Solar panels in the foreground with the blue ridge mountains in the background
Are you passionate about clean energy and making a positive impact on the environment?
Do you know someone who's interested in going solar?
If the answer is yes, then we have some exciting news to share with you. Sugar Hollow Solar is thrilled to announce our partnership with MountainTrue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge as our new referral program partner.
How the Referral Program Works
Our referral program is simple and rewarding. When you refer someone to Sugar Hollow Solar, and they sign a solar contract with us, you'll receive $250 as a token of our appreciation. Plus – for each referral who goes solar, we'll also donate $50 to a Non-Profit, in this case- MountainTrue until August 31, 2024.
Now, let's dive deeper into why our partnership with MountainTrue is something to get excited about
MountainTrue: Champions of Resilience and Sustainability
A trail in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains
MountainTrue is a nonprofit organization that envisions thriving communities in the Southern Blue Ridge that are interconnected with and help sustain both each other and our natural environment. Their mission aligns perfectly with our commitment to clean energy and environmental responsibility.
Here are some key principles that drive MountainTrue's work:
Social and Environmental Justice: They believe that everyone has the right to live in healthy communities and work towards vibrant, equitable communities free from oppression and enriched by the natural environment.
Integrity of Natural Systems: MountainTrue values the integrity of natural systems, including air, land, water, and native plants and animals, and is dedicated to protecting and restoring them for the benefit of future generations.
Vibrant Mountain Communities: They aim to create mountain communities that are not only vibrant and livable but also respectful of their connection to and dependence on the region's natural environment.
Regional Perspective: Recognizing the uniqueness of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, MountainTrue takes a regional perspective to enhance both regional and community-based solutions to shared environmental challenges.
Community Engagement: MountainTrue values community engagement in principled advocacy and believes that sound public policy and responsible individual actions are essential to protect the environment and communities.
Values: Integrity, equity, expertise, flexibility, accountability, and transparency are at the core of all their activities and operations.
MountainTrue is not only a passionate advocate for the environment but also the nurturing ground for dedicated Riverkeepers, including the French Broad Riverkeeper, guardian of the French Broad River watershed, and the Watauga Riverkeeper, a tireless advocate for the Elk and Watauga Rivers. Additionally, MountainTrue houses the Broad River Alliance, a collaborative force of concerned citizens and organizations working tirelessly to ensure cleaner water, promote awareness and education, enhance access, and expand recreational opportunities within the Broad River Basin. MountainTrue's roots run deep, grounded in a rich history of environmental advocacy and community engagement. To truly appreciate their commitment to the Southern Blue Ridge region, we think it’s important to delve into their historical journey.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
Protestors opposing clear cutting
It’s been a long journey since Esther Cunningham, David Liden, and a group of concerned Western North Carolina residents formed the Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA) in 1982 to fight extensive clearcutting and beat back oil drillers in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
Over the years, MountainTrue expanded their geographic footprint by joining forces and merging with the Environmental and Conservation Organization of Henderson County (founded 1987), the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance (founded 2000), and the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (founded 1995). They also expanded their mission by merging with the Asheville Design Center (founded 2006) and incorporating the Creation Care Alliance.
The name MountainTrue only dates back to their first merger in 2015 and represents their unwavering commitment to the people and places of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a bold name, and the organization is proud to have the victories to back it up. Their founding members fought oil and gas exploration in our national forests (something we can easily get behind!) and then went on to end the practice of clearcutting. They stopped the logging of the Asheville Watershed and helped establish both Gorges State Park and Dupont State Forest. They partnered with the community to reduce the size of the I-26 Connector highway expansion project through Asheville to make it more environmentally friendly and to protect surrounding neighborhoods. And MountainTrue was a lead partner in the Asheville Beyond Coal campaign, through which they won the retirement of Asheville’s coal-fired power plant and the clean-up of the coal ash pits at Duke Energy’s Asheville and Cliffside power plants.
MountainTrue's overarching goals align with the principles set forth by these founding people and organizations, aiming to have a stronger influence on policy, build a more robust organization, and strengthen grassroots engagement. The organization continues to focus on sensible land use, restoring public forests, protecting water quality, and promoting clean energy as high-impact areas for environmental health and long-term prosperity in the region.
As we embark on our partnership with MountainTrue, we honor this history of environmental stewardship and commit to supporting their vital work in championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge.
Making a Collective Impact
Talking with a Sugar Hollow Solar Client
When you refer a friend to Sugar Hollow Solar, you're not just helping them transition to clean energy – you're also contributing to a cause that stands for a healthier, more sustainable future. Your referral not only puts money in your pocket but also helps fund vital environmental projects and advocacy through MountainTrue.
Remember, you don't have to be a past client to make a referral. We welcome anyone who believes in our mission and wants to send a friend our way.
How to Make a Referral
There are two simple ways to make a referral:
Fill out our referral form: Start by filling out the form on our website. Provide your information and your friend's details, and we'll take it from there.
Direct your friend to call us: Your friend can also call our main line at (828) 776-9161 to request a quote and mention that you referred them.
Please note that to count as a referral, your friend must be identified before they receive a project proposal from us.
Reward and Donation Timing
Your referral reward and the donation to our nonprofit partner, MountainTrue, will be made after the installation of the new solar or battery backup system on a quarterly basis. Please keep in mind that we only donate to our nonprofit partner for solar installations.
We can offer one referral reward per solar installation, and we cannot honor a referral for a repeat customer. Our repeat customers already enjoy their own perks!
Join Us in Making a Difference
In unity, we possess the power to illuminate a path toward a future where clean energy reigns, and environmental harmony thrives, not just for our region but as a beacon of hope for the entire planet. While the program partner changes, and the details of our program may evolve, rest assured that our unwavering commitment to a greener, more sustainable world remains steadfast.
If you have any questions or wish to embark on this transformative journey with us, don't hesitate to connect with us at hello@sugarhollowsolar.com, complete the refer a friend form, or reach out by phone at (828) 776-9161 to see if you qualify for a free discovery call with one of our dedicated Energy Consultant. Let's forge a transformative future together—by harnessing the boundless energy of the sun and uplifting the mission of MountainTrue, we can usher in an era of cleaner energy, a rejuvenated Earth, and a brighter, more sustainable world for all. Join us in this exhilarating adventure towards a greener tomorrow!
