Solar energy for your home or business
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.
