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Installation of Boone’s FIRST Community Owned Solar Electric System Now in Progress.


Monday, April 27th, 2009 -
This past Saturday, the Boone Community Solar Initiative began installation of its first community owned solar electric system. The event was well attended by both community member-owners and local volunteers. Thanks to these volunteers and community members-owners, the solar electric panels are now on the roof and ready for wiring and connection to the electrical grid. Video of the event coming soon!

Click HERE to read the High Country Press article.

AIRE Executive Director Steve Owen stands on the roof of The Greenhouse, next to the newly installed solar panels. Photo by Owen Gray

Community Installers raising solar electric
collectors to the roof of The Greenhouse.

Solar electric panels being attached
to balasted rooftop racks.

Solar electric panels being attached
to balasted rooftop racks.

Posted in Community Owned Energy, Solar Power | No Comments »

AIRE’s Executive Director, Steve Owen, Discusses North Carolina Wind Energy Policy in IndyWeek.com


Saturday, April 18th, 2009 -

You can read Steve’s take on wind energy here in the “Old North State” at IndyWeek.com HERE.

Posted in AIRE, Community Owned Energy, State Energy Policy, Wind | No Comments »

Benefit for Boone’s First Community Owned Solar Electric System a Success


Saturday, April 4th, 2009 -

Fifty-plus Watauga County residents came out to The Greenhouse Friday April 3rd to support community owned renewable energy in the High Country. The benefit raised the initial $2600 of the $25,000 necessary for Boone’s first community owned solar electric system, to be located on the roof of the The Greenhouse. The system will reliably produce 300 kilowatt hours per month of clean green electricity for use by downtown Boone. Ged Moody, a fellow of the Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE), discussed with the community members present how each can financially support the project through donations and/or member-owner investment.

For more information about the Boone Community Solar Initiative click HERE.

Read more about the event of at the links below…

Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson cuts the ribbon, held by AIRE’s Director Steven Owen and Community Organizer Matt Cooper, on Boone’s FIRST Community Owned Solar Electric System

Jeff Deal and Steve Owen, Executive Director of AIRE, talk community owned/community supported Renewable Energy.

Posted in AIRE, Community Owned Energy, Solar Power | No Comments »

AIRE Launches Community-Owned Solar Power Project


Thursday, March 26th, 2009 -

The Greenhouse, located on Depot Street in downtown Boone, will be the site of the first community-owned solar project in Watauga County. Photo by Heather Hendricks

The Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE) and its ally groups seek to partner with our many township neighbors to plan and develop community owned solar energy systems right here in Our Town. The project, known as the Boone Community Solar Initiative, looks to tap the excellent solar resource of Boone’s rooftops and parking lots – begging to join the local green economy we Boone residents are now creating. In fashioning these solar energy systems, Boone residents create jobs here, raise locally owned investment opportunities, and forge community owned civic infrastructure which positively improves the economy and natural environment of all those living in Boone.

Click HERE to read the High Country Press article!

For more information about the Boone Community Solar Initiative Click HERE.

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Posted in AIRE, Community Owned Energy, Solar Power | No Comments »

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