Solar energy seminar scheduled
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A solar energy for your home or business seminar will be offered by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET) on Friday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South St. Chris Vreeland, a registered professional engineer, is the featured speaker.With volatile fuel prices and concern about the effects of increased consumption of fossil 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 Western Massachusetts continues to grow. Grants and tax incentives are available to help offset the cost of investing in energy efficiency, solar energy and other renewable technologies.
At the seminar, Vreeland will help attendees determine if a solar installation would be a good fit for their situation by introducing the basics of solar hot water and solar photovoltaic systems, system components, determining sizing and siting of systems and reducing existing power loads through energy-efficient improvements. Massachusetts is in transition from a rebate program into a new program that uses Solar Renewable Energy Credits as an incentive for solar photovoltaics projects. Vreeland will provide detailed information on financial incentives currently available for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy from Massachusetts and the federal government.
Solar energy and more are highlighted in the annual Green Buildings Open House Tour the following day, Saturday, Oct. 2. Homes and businesses old and new throughout the region will showcase features such as solar PV and hot water systems, passive solar design, geothermal systems, reclaimed building materials, straw-bale construction, small-scale hydro power and a Zero Net Energy home. Hours vary and the properties are located throughout the area. Check locations near you at www.nesea.org/greenbuildings.
Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required and a donation of $10 per person is suggested. Register at www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php. Donations can be made online or at the door. For more information, contact CET at 413-445-4556, ext. 10, or cynthiag@cetonline.org.
In addition to the seminar and tour, to learn more aboutGreen Building in Western Massachusetts, contact Megan at meganm@cetonline.org to receive CET's EcoBuilder Newsletter. To stay in the loop on these and other CET events, sign up for EcoBytes or EcoUpdates by visiting www.cetonline.org or contact Susan at susans@cetonline.org.
