DeKalb solar program deadline extended

A grassroots program to increase the number of solar-powered homes and businesses in DeKalb County has extended its deadline to join the bulk-purchase effort.

Solarize Decatur-DeKalb said its new deadline for the program is Jan. 31 rather than Dec. 31.

Participants in some cases can can save more than 25 percent on solar installations compared to when customers go it alone, according to the organizers, mostly nonprofit environmental and community groups.

The program has drawn interest from almost 600 homeowners and businesses, according to the group’s website, but only about 30 had signed contracts for installations late last month. No update on total participants was immediately available.

Georgia has become one of the fastest-growing solar power generators in the last three years, as Georgia Power and other players have installed large-scale solar farms at a rapid pace.

Last week, Georgia Power and the Army launched a new 30 megawatt solar farm on 250 acres at Fort Stewart, near Hinesville. The farm is the fourth completed solar installation out of five Georgia Power is building on military bases.

But homeowners and small businesses have been slow to install small-scale solar units on their rooftops. Trees shade many roofs, and the projects are slow to break even because of Georgia offers few subsidies or cost savings compared to many states, experts say.

Solar Decatur-DeKalb’s program aims to help with evaluating whether solar power makes sense, and with bulk-purchase agreements with two local contractors who agreed to lower their prices as more customers sign up for solar installations.

RUSSELL SEIFERT / CREATIVE SOLAR A Creative Solar USA employee installs solar panels on Donna Brogan’s and Z.T. Daniels’ house in Druid Hills.