Interest in solar energy is sweeping the hilltowns as more and more town residents sign up to install solar arrays.
A recent news release about the Solarize Mass Shelburne-Colrain-Conway program announced that over 300 households — or 14 percent of households — in the three towns have said they’re interested.
The program, which is facilitated through a partnership between the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division and local town officials, enables residents to purchase solar arrays at a group-discount rate.
Since launching in early July, 20 households have already signed contracts, and almost 80 more are considering estimates.
According to the release, “Those interested in participating in this program at the group discount purchase price have until Sept. 30 to schedule a free site visit.”
Brice Hereford, a solar coach with the project, said the Greenfield Solar Store, which is helping with the project, has been working six days a week checking solar suitability at houses.
“It has been great to work with such an effective (photovoltaic) installer who is local and uses USA made components,” Hereford commented. “They bring great value to the program and the customers really like their low-key consultative approach.”
The state and federal governments both offer subsidies for installation of solar panels and the state also offers tax credits for the first 10 years of their use.
Since the assessments began in July, 135 households have had free site-visits from the Solar Store of Greenfield and its partner, Grenergy Solar Store of Sheffield, to determine the feasibility of using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, according to Brice Hereford, Conway’s solar coach.
Of these 135 households, 111 are good candidates for solar energy and 20 have already signed up; their contracts would generate about 126 kilowatts of electricity. Another 79 have cost proposals for solar PV systems and are considering them.
For more information, contact The Solar Store of Greenfield at 772-3122, or by email at: Solarize@solarstoreofgreenfield.com