NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire EMS is getting energized with some free solar panels that were installed on the ambulance service's roof on Monday.
"We will see savings immediately because the system was donated," General Manager John Meaney Jr. said. "Over time, we are going to be in a good position."
The panels are thanks to SolarFlair Energy of Ashland, the installer selected for the Solarize Plus campaigns in North Adams and Williamstown in 2019. The state-sponsored program offered low-cost loans and discounts to encourage eligible households to avail themselves of the renewable energy opportunity.
Once Solarflair hit a certain benchmark with residential systems, it wanted to open up to nonprofits, said Meaney.
"They announced that basically nonprofit organizations could be nominated to receive a system donated," he said. "So we were nominated and we were chosen by Solarflair and they are here today putting them on."
The system is 15 kilowatts and consists of 16 panels covering about 20 percent of the east-facing roof on the Haqrris Street building. The value of the installation is $12,834.40, according to documents filed for Planning Board approval in March.
Meaney said Northern Berkshire EMS is always looking for ways to become more efficient and green. He said if the new system works out, he would be interested in expanding it.
"Once we start seeing the savings down the road we would love to possibly expand it," he said. "We are always looking for ways to go green and to help the environment."
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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