Farmington, Simsbury Go Green on the Cheap

Would you use solar panels if it were cheaper? Most of us take advantage of these sunny days by heading to the beach, but a new local initiative wants the sun to work for you. 

On Tuesday evening around 40 Farmington residents gathered in The Farmington Library to hear how the Solarize Connecticut program can reduce the cost of installing solar panels into their homes. 

“Solarize will provide our residents with the opportunity to reduce their energy costs, make Farmington a cleaner place to live, and support local jobs,” a press release explains.

Farmington residents can take part in the program until October 7, in association with Bristol company All Green it Solar, who won the bid to provide the solar installation in Farmington.

“This is a great opportunity to discover the solar potential of your house,” said Elizabeth Dolphin, the assistant town planner in Farmington. “For free residents can get a full blown evaluation, even if you don’t want to commit right now.”

The more people who do commit before the end of the 20-week program in October, though, the lower the prices will be for everybody - up to halve the usual price. Dolphin said there is a lot of interest in the program, with many “leads.”

In Simsbury, seven homeowners have already signed up for a similar program, The Hartford Courant reports. Simsbury chose local company C-TEC to install the panels and resident Brad Mead is their “solar ambassador.” 

“We're here for folks that are ready to take the leap,” Mead told The Hartford Courant. Simsbury residents must sign up by September 23.

The next information session for Farmington residents will take place on June 25 at Farmington Town Hall.  

Residents can find out more information at http://solarizect.com/our-towns/solarize-farmington/ and http://solarizect.com/our-towns/solarize-simsbury/