SHELBURNE — Solarize Mass SCC (Shelburne-Colrain-Conway) is requesting proposals for an installer to put in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for residents who sign up for PV systems through this solar energy buying club. Any installer selected will be required to meet technical requirements set by the state’s Clean Energy Center.
If all goes well, coordinators for the three-town solar collaborative, a solar PV installer will be hired by May or June, and solar PV presentations will be made in the three towns in June and July. The customer sign-ups will begin in August, going through September.
As with other Solarize Mass programs, free feasibility studies and cost estimates for each potential home or business are available to those living in the member towns. The more people that buy solar PV systems, the lower the price is for all concerned. In past years, and in other towns, Solarize Mass buyers have saved about 20 percent below market price for such systems.
Last year, Solarize Mass PAB (Plainfield, Ashfield, Buckland) sold 104 solar energy systems in those three towns.
Shelburne Solar Coach John Walsh said the group’s goal is to surpass that number of sales.
“Solarize Mass Shelburne-Colrain-Conway” is the name of the group’s public Facebook page, which includes more information.
SHELBURNE — The entire Shelburne Highway Department crew pulled an all-nighter on March 2, when a gusty wind storm knocked down trees and closed a dozen roads, mostly in the Shelburne Center area.
Shelburne Selectboard Chairman Robert Manners said the crew worked from 1:30 a.m., trying to open roads. “Residents were actually trapped in their homes, on the other side of the trees, he said.
The board thanked the crew for their work, especially during a difficult night.