Solar 101

 Solar for Residents and Small Business

If you’ve ever wondered whether your house would be a good candidate for solar panels, you’re in luck! Winchester is one of 4 Massachusetts communities to be chosen to participate in a pilot program called “Solarize Massachusetts.” The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has created this program to reduce some of the barriers to installing solar panels on homes and small businesses, such as high upfront costs, unclear incentives and rebates, and a confusing array of providers. Within a few weeks a solar provider will be selected for Winchester (via an RFP), who will offer a streamlined installation process at a discount (estimated to be around 18%).

Solarize Winchester will kick off with a “Solar 101” presentation outlining the basics of residential (and small commercial) solar. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 7:30 pm in the Town Hall auditorium. Attend to get all your questions answered and sign up for your free solar assessment for your property.

A second meeting, where the solar provider for Winchester will be announced, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, at 7:30 pm in the Town Hall auditorium.

The state is only offering this as a short-term program; all solar installations must be scheduled by Sept. 30 (and completed within a year). The more people that sign up the better the price, so tell your neighbors!

For more details, see www.masscec.com/solarizemass or contact Susan McPhee at sgmcphee@me.com or 781-507-5880.