Solar energy for your home or business is the subject of two workshops presented by the Center for Ecological Technology (CETsm) to highlight small-scale solar energy technologies and exciting new funding opportunities. Anyone who is curious about what’s involved in using solar energy at home or work is encouraged to attend the informational workshop, which will be presented in Lee and again in Williamstown.
The first workshop is scheduled for Thursday, November 3 from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Lee Council on Aging, 45 Railroad Street. On Wednesday, November 9, the second workshop will be held at the Milne Public Library in Williamstown from 7 pm to 9 pm. Chris Vreeland, a registered professional engineer, will be the featured speaker. Both workshops are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged.
CET’s solar energy workshop will help participants learn if a sun-powered renewable energy system is a good fit. Those who attend will learn the basics of using energy from the sun to create electricity or heat water. They will also learn how solar panels work, the components of a solar electric system, how to determine whether they have a good site and how to gain additional benefits through energy efficient improvements. Also covered will be average prices for solar electric and solar hot water systems, and how to find local contractors who install systems. Both workshops will highlight systems that have recently been installed in the Berkshires.
The workshop will also discuss financial incentives available from the state and federal government. Mr. Vreeland will give an overview of those incentives and will summarize a new program offered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to help homeowners and small businesses pay for renewable energy systems. He will also describe the new federal tax credits that will be available in 2006 and 2007.
Please pre-register if you are interested in coming to either of the workshops. To find out more or to pre-register, contact Amy Johns, at 413-445-4556 ext. 14 or email her at: amyj@cetonline.org.
CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served western Massachusetts since 1976. CET receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. These workshops are made possible through grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Stockbridge Grange Community Dinner
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Stockbridge Grange is holding a community dinner on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, featuring spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and bread with dessert choices of chocolate cream or lemon meringue pie.
Dinner is $17.00 per person, take out only with 12-1:30 pm pick up at the Stockbridge Grange Hall at 51 Church Street, Stockbridge. Orders may be made by calling 413-243-1298 or 413-443-4352.
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