The Community Megawatt Initiative
Solar Electric Performance
- What is the Community Megawatt Initiative?
- How can I participate in the Community Megawatt Initiative?
- What community members are currently participating in the Community Megawatt Initiative?
- What projects are currently being developed by the Community Megawatt Initiative?
- Where can I learn more about solar electric systems/photovoltaics?
- Does the Community Megawatt Initiative plan to develop other renewable energy resources in our area?
- How are these solar electric systems financed?
What is the Community Megawatt Initiative?
Community volunteers and member-owners
installing a 2.4 kW solar electric/photovoltaic
system on the roof of The Greenhouse in
Boone, NC
The Community Megawatt Initiative seeks to partner with our many township neighbors to plan and develop community owned solar energy systems right here in Our Town. The rooftops and parking lots of Boone possess an excellent solar resource - 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.
Today, North Carolina spends $2 billion annually to import electricity. We can keep a large portion of that money in our economy by developing renewable energy systems here in North Carolin. By developing the wind and solar energy resources of our state, we can provide about 40% of the energy North Carolina uses.
The goals of the Community Megawatt Initiative?
- Make solar energy accessible and affordable for local people
- Increase public participation in energy and economic decision-making
- Install 1mw of new solar power by 2012
- Develop a county-wide renewable energy plan
- Create innovative ways to expand renewable energy production in Boone through policy, finance, and incentives.
- Catalyze Boone’s low-carbon sustainable economy
- Significantly reduce Boone’s carbon footprint
How can I participate in the Community Megawatt Initiative?
One of the early solar meetings. Pictured left to right: Anna Erwin, Erica Porras, Ged Moody, Daniel Law, and Lee Ball. (photo by Steve Owen)
- A limited number of memberships are now available for purchase. Please contact us HERE for more information.
- You may donate to/support AIRE’s 501(c)3 work and take a charitable deduction on your tax return!
- Businesses and property owners can become solar electrical system hosts and members
- You can help spread the word about the Community Megawatt Initiative
What community members are currently participating in the Community Megawatt Initiative?
Pausing for a group photo at The Greenhouse.Ged Moody, Patrick Beville, Anna Erwin, Lee Ball, Erica Porras, Kent Hively, and Jason Hoyle. (photo by Steve Owen)
Erica Porras and Kent Hively discuss placement of the meter with New River Light & Power engineer Philip Hiatt.(photo by Steve Owen)
The Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy
The Greenhouse/Gang of 5, LLC
* Engineers Patrick Beville, PE and Brent Summerville, PE
* And YOU! Contact us HERE to add your name!
What projects are currently being developed by the Community Megawatt Initiative?
Where can I learn more about solar electric systems/photovoltaics?
There is a wealth of information available on the Internet. We have listed several below:
Does the Community Megawatt Initiative plan to develop other renewable energy resources in our area?
Yes! We are currently discussing the development of solar thermal and wind energy projects in the High Country.