Plus, Canes merch for gameday.
 
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Today’s Forecast

81º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. | Sunset 8:14 p.m.
 

☀️ What’s the cost of solar, really?

What’s the cost of solar, really?
Presented by a RALtoday Partner
a modern two story house with solar panels on the roof
Solar can be more affordable than you think, saving you thousands in the long run and sparing you from ever-increasing energy bills. | Photo provided by Freedom Solar Power
Feeling the pain of rising electricity bills? Same. While most Raleighites know energy costs are on the rise (and fast), many don’t know that the cost of going solar is dropping. In fact, installing a system has decreased by 50% in the last 10 years.

While the math works in your favor, we know going solar is still a big decision. That’s why we called in the experts at Freedom Solar Power to answer these reader-submitted solar questions:

How much do I typically save on energy costs?

Homeowners save an average of $20,000 over a 25-year span. Most customers finance their system, similar to a car payment — so, you might, for example, pay $100 monthly on a financed solar system. Since the average Raleighite pays $208 per month on regular electricity, this means you can start saving in the first month.

How is power generated during cloudy or rainy days?

Solar panels work on cloudy days. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells will still generate energy even when light is partially blocked or reflected by clouds.

But the amount of energy produced on those particularly overcast days is less than normal. When it comes to maximizing sun-generating energy, Southern states are great candidates for solar.

What is the return on investment like?

Solar panels increase the value of your home. A recent study by the University of Michigan found that for the hottest cities in the South, solar investments today will increase in valuation by up to 20% within 25 years due to climate change.

Will solar panels cause roof leaks?

Solar panels aren’t bad for your roof. When installed properly, multiple protections, like sealants + flashing, are taken to ensure your panels are waterproofed. (Freedom Solar also provides a 25-year workmanship warranty which ensures the panels are installed as intended and covers all of the steps to ensure no roof leaks.)

Keep reading to see four more questions. Ready to go solar? Calculate your savings + get a free consultation.
Cost, hurricanes + more
Asked

What would most tempt you to go solar?
A. Not stressing about rising energy costs
B. Saving thousands in the long run
C. Energy independence
D. Helping the environment
E. Other
En-light-en us
 
Events
Thursday, May 16
  • Tiny Terrarium Workshop | Thursday, May 16 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Curate, 15 W. Hargett St., Raleigh | $35 | Create a teeny-tiny terrarium with complimentary drinks and all the supplies you need.
  • NC State Baseball vs. Wake Forest | Thursday, May 16-Saturday, May 18 | Times vary | Doak Field at Dail Park, 1081 Varsity Dr., Raleigh | The Pack’s season is off to a strong start — watch the team pitch against NC rivals.
Friday, May 17
  • Hank Williams Jr. | Friday, May 17 | 7 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh | $54+ | You know this musician for his rock, blues, and country tunes — see him live in Raleigh.
Saturday, May 18
  • Inter-Tribal Pow Wow | Saturday, May 18 | 11:30 a.m. | Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | Free | Watch competition dancing from NC’s eight state-recognized tribes, listen to live music, and shop 30+ vendors.
  • Kristin Chenowith with the NC Symphony | Saturday, May 18 | 8 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $90-$120 | Watch this three-time Tony-winning performer sing alongside the symphony.
More to do this week
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News Notes
Try This
  • Don’t miss your chance to experience new eatertainment spot Jaguar Bolera before anyone else this Saturday, May 18 at The Premiere Prowl. For $40, you’ll get $25 in drink credits, unlimited bowling, darts, foosball + karaoke, and passed Mexican-Southern-fusion bites. This Raleigh Iron Works spot is going to be unforgettable.
Civic
  • The results of Tuesday’s runoff election are in. Hal Weatherman will run as NC’s Republican candidate for lieutenant governor and Dave Boliek will be the party’s auditor candidate. Remember: The 2024 general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. (The News & Observer)
Coming Soon
  • Last week, we shared the news of La Farm coming to 122 Glenwood Ave. The semi-permanent pop-up will open next Wednesday, May 22 with a bread breaking event, complete with free mini white chocolate baguettes. La Farm is also expanding to Creekside Crossing Shopping Center in north Raleigh later this summer.
Plan Ahead
  • Tickets are on sale now for IBMA Bluegress LIVE!, which will rock Raleigh Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 throughout downtown. This will be the festival’s last year in Raleigh after generating $88 million for the city since 2013 — a new upcoming festival from PineCone promises to keep the music flowing.
Biz
  • Some things are best left to the pros — and commercial building maintenance is firmly in that camp. Let York’s expert technicians handle inspections, electrical work, and late-night emergency calls so you don’t have to. Learn about their personalized service plans (and see how to get 10% off).*
 
Playoffs

🏒 Fresh off the ice

Stock up on Carolina Hurricanes merch during the 2024 NHL Playoffs
The Canes' mascot, Stormy, waving a flag on the ice.
Raleighites (and Stormy) are ready to cheer on the Canes in the next round. | Photo by RALtoday
It’s gameday in Raleigh. While the Carolina Hurricanes battle it out in the NHL Playoffs, you can stock up on some Canes merch to rep the home team. Here are a few of our picks.

With diagonal text reminiscent of the New York Rangers’ classic uniforms, this white, customizable jersey can be personalized with your favorite player’s name or even yours.

For a more everyday look, rock this alternative logo cap to make any outfit a bit stormier. Plus, have the Canes keep you cozy with this cream quarter zip.

Here are two retro picks. This tee pays tribute to the Hartford Whalers, the former name of the franchise, and this youth popsicle tee is just a cool design.

For gamedays from home, pour yourself a Storm Brew into this “Take Warning” pint glass and get comfortable under this fleece blanket.

Watch the game tonight at PNC Arena with tickets starting below $200 or stream it from home with a DIRECTTV STREAM subscription.
The Buy

The Buy 5.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Lululemon’s fan-favorite running shorts in newly dropped colors. The Hotty Hot shorts have a built-in liner for secure coverage, and they still feel light as air.
 
The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof

Today’s edition by:
Allie
From the editor
Our online shopping marketplace Six & Main has added a new small biz hailing from the City of Oaks. Arti Bar creates small-batch artisan snack bars made with organic fruit, nuts, and seeds. Sounds like the perfect pick-me-up for busy summer weekends.
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