Solarize CNY is helping people across the region add solar energy installations to their homes and businesses. The volunteer initiative will be hosting public workshops and free site assessments throughout central New York during the summer and fall.
Chris Carrick is the energy program manager for the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board which is organizing Solarize CNY with the Alliance for a Green Economy.
"Folks can cut down on their carbon pollution by 20-30 percent by installing solar which is fantastic, but we really want to emphasize that solar is a great financial choice," Carrick said.
Carrick said the program can help customers save significantly on solar installations by taking advantage of state and federal incentives to expand solar power.
Sue Hansen of Fayetteville installed 31 solar panels on her house and garage back in March and said her electric bill was reduced by 80 percent.
“So we not only see that we are helping the environment by not creating more pollution but we're feeling really good about the financial end to this," Hansen said.
Hansen said incentives were able to get the costs of solar panel installations down from $23,000 to $9,200. The New York Sun Program has devoted $1 billion dollars to expand solar power for the next eight years. The solar energy installation companies participating in the program are offering prices that are 15-20 percent below the average amount.
