BRATTLEBORO — Homeowners, landlords, small business owners, and other residents looking for ways to cut rising energy bills are invited to a free solar workshop presented by Brattleboro Climate Protection and the Brattleboro Energy Committee.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Marlboro College Graduate Center, 28 Vernon St.
Workshop attendees will learn the advantages of installing solar hot water and solar electric systems, and about the different types of systems that are available. Local solar installers will be on hand to offer real-life case studies of solar installations and to answer questions about solar and its affordability.
The workshop will feature a presentation by Nick Ziter of SunFarm Community Solar of Putney. Ziter is starting a solar farm that allows community members to invest in the project and then receive a credit for the solar power on their electric bill.
Other workshop presenters and installers will include Southern Vermont Renewable Energy of Putney, Integrated Solar of Brattleboro, Solar Source of Keene, N.H., and Co-op Power of Greenfield, Mass.
Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in Vermont homes, accounting for 15-20 percent of a typical household's annual energy use. Solar hot water systems can reduce annual hot water heating costs by 50 percent or more, while cutting carbon pollution by more than 2 ½ tons. It is cost-effective, renewable, and applicable to many types of houses. The technology is simple, and has been successfully used all over the world for more than 30 years.
The cost of installing solar electric systems has decreased dramatically in the past two years, and is now competitive with solar hot water. In addition, electric utilities in Vermont are now required to pay a premium for electricity generated by solar panels that are connected to the grid. Now is a great time to consider a solar electric system.
The workshop is free, open to the general public, and is limited to 60 participants. Pre-registration is required - to sign up, contact Paul Cameron by at 802-251-8135 or at [email protected]. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Brattleboro Climate Protection, Brattleboro Energy Committee, Marlboro College Graduate Center, and River Valley Credit Union.