Solar energy for your home or business

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A solar energy  for your home or business presentation will be offered by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET) on Wednesday, May 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum (Library) on Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. Chris Vreeland, a registered professional engineer, will be the featured speaker. Pre-registration is required and a donation of $10 is suggested. BerkShares are accepted.

With rising fuel prices and concern about the effects of fossils fuels on our health and environment, many businesses and homeowners are trying to conserve and seek local, clean sources of energy. Interest in solar hot water and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems for homes, farms, schools and businesses in the Berkshires continues to grow. Grants and tax incentives are available to help offset the cost of investing in solar energy and other renewable technologies.

Vreeland will provide an overview of financial incentives available from Massachusetts and the federal government and will summarize funding available through the new Commonwealth Solar program for photovoltaic projects. Businesses and homeowners are eligible for rebates, and can reduce costs by 40 percent. Other changes are pending, including legislation that would make it easier for homeowners with solar electric panels to sell energy back to the power grid.

This seminar is designed to help homeowners and businesses determine if a solar installation would be a good fit for their situation. Attendees will learn the basics about how solar hot water and solar photovoltaic panels work, the components of a solar energy system, how to determine what size system is needed, whether they have a good site and how to gain additional benefits through energy efficient improvements.

If you are interested in attending, or have questions about the workshop, contact CET at 413-445-4556 ext. 25, or cynthiag@cetonline.org.

CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served western Massachusetts since 1976. CET is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. CET is an equal opportunity service provider. This workshop is made possible through grant funding from Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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