We’re Talking Solar – info for homeowners and small businesses in Pennsylvania

The days are getting longer and spring is in the air, what a nice time to talk solar. The cost to install solar has dropped by more than 70% since 2010, and a full 30% federal tax credit remains available through 2019. As they say on TV, “Act Now!” There’s never been a better time to go solar, or add solar. At our April meeting we’ll talk about considerations for both—going solar for the first time and increasing the capacity of an existing system.

But first: While the financial outlook for solar is indeed rosy, the need for clean renewable energy sources is urgent. In spite of all our hard work and progress, overall greenhouse gas emissions in the United States have hardly budged from where they were in 1990. Electricity generation alone produces nearly a third of these emissions. Generating electricity with solar produces no emissions! We’ll share a quick way for estimating the emissions avoided by a solar installation, using system size and zip code, to help you see the value of solar energy to the environment.

At our April 24 meeting, Vera Cole and Bill Hennessy will share practical guidance on issues that matter to those looking to go solar or grow solar. Discussion will cover solar installation basics and net metering, buying outright or working with a 3rd party, how the Federal Tax Credit works now and will be changing, and considerations for planning a battery backup. S-RECS (in Pennsylvania, “alternative energy credits”) will be explained, including how they are valued and recent policy developments. Vera and Bill will do their best to provide the information and resources you need to get a good handle on the cost, value and environmental benefits of going or growing solar.

Presentation will include lots of pictures! Solar module will be on hand to check out up close and in person. Even better, MAREA’s 2018 Sustainable Living Open House follows on Saturday May 5. Participating hosts open their homes to showcase solar installations, battery backup, energy efficiency measures and other sustainable features so that others may see and learn from their experience. You are welcome to drop by any home on the list between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, no RSVP necessary and no charge. MAREA will provide descriptions and directions for all participating sites.

We hope you’ll bring your questions and join us! This meeting is for those who are considering going solar, are wondering about adding to an existing system, or just want to understand better how solar works and why it matters. All are invited. Our meetings are free and open to the public. The meeting is Tuesday, April 24, at 7:00 at TEKPark (9999 Hamilton Boulevard, Breinigsville, PA 18031, between Kutztown and Allentown). After the meeting, please plan to stick around and chat with friends old and new. Light snacks will be served. Hope to see you there!

Vera Cole is lead faculty for Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State. Bill Hennessy is NABCEP-certified solar installer. They work together to develop and teach solar workshops and courses and to promote public understanding of solar. Both are long-term MAREA board members.

Need a gift…but don’t want to buy stuff?

If you’d like to make a donation to MAREA or buy someone a membership as a gift, let us know and we’ll handle the acknowledgement thoughtfully, by email or paper mail, with your input. Drop us a note to [masked] And remember, all new memberships get a free copy of the DVD, “Saving Sunshine”!

MAREA is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations and memberships are how we keep the lights on. You can join at the meeting or anytime online, http://www.themarea.org. Thanks for your help.