Learn about solar panel installation at Aug. 13 workshop

On Monday, Aug. 13, the Melrose Energy Commission, in partnership with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), is hosting a Solar 201 workshop at the Milano Center, 201 West Foster St., from 7-9 p.m.

This free presentation will provide information about solar panel installation for homes and businesses, including discounts, rebates, tiered pricing and financing options.

The workshop is part of Solarize Mass, a new state program that helps reduce costs through bulk purchasing of solar panels. The greater the participation by Melrose residents and businesses, the lower the costs will be for the solar panel installation.

Roof Diagnostics Solar and Next Step Living are the designated solar installation partners. Along with representatives from the MassCEC, they will be available to answer questions about installation, financing, and energy savings.

One of the financing options is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that requires no down payment or a small down payment. With the PPA, you can avoid large upfront costs and still reap the benefits of clean, local, renewable solar power that is less expensive than your current electric rates.

The first step is a site evaluation of your home or businesses to determine if it is a good candidate for solar panels. Factors such as exposure to direct sunlight and south-facing orientation to the sun are important.

So far, more than 100 Melrose residents have arranged for site evaluations and eight have signed contracts for solar panel installations through Solarize Mass.

This is the third in a series of three Solar 201 workshops being offered during the Solarize Mass program, which ends on September 30.

If you cannot attend the workshop and would like to sign up for a free solar assessment, contact the Melrose Solar Coach at MelroseSolarCoach@gmail.com or sign up on-line at www.SolarizeMelrose.com.

For further details, look for Solarize Melrose door hangers or visit the Melrose Energy Commission Web site (www.MelroseEnergy.org). Information will also be available at the Solarize Melrose booth at the Mayor’s Night Out (Aug. 2) and Victorian Fair (Sept. 9).

This workshop is part of the Melrose Energy Challenge, an ongoing effort by the Melrose Energy Commission to educate Melrose residents about various ways to save energy.