Going solar has always been a dream of mine. I realize that it can be accomplished, but it hasn’t been the first, second or third step in our plan for energy efficient, green living. Our drafty, poorly insulated farmhouse has gone through some major changes during our tenure. My family has put up with spray foaming and putting in new storm windows, but there always seems to be a new area of heat loss. There is also the issue of my neighbor’s enormous white pine casting its massive shadow.

According to Adirondack North Country Association’s (ANCA) Jennifer Perry, now is a great time to explore solar energy as an option. With three upcoming “Solarize” solar campaigns for The Town of Franklin, Village of Canton and First Nation Akwesasne, interested individuals can explore if solar is appropriate, meet the selected installer and dissipate with any misinformation. The goal is to pull together interested parties for significantly reduced solar cost installations.

“ANCA’s role is to help coordinate these Solarize campaigns with the hosting communities,’ says Perry. “We hope to first and foremost provide education, like a Solar 101. There is a lot of misinformation out there and we want to see if solar is right for you. We hear that people think solar is only run on batteries or only for the wealthy.”

Perry feels that it’s an exciting time to go solar. She states that the New York State incentives are going away or diminishing. With a Solarize group rate and current NYS incentives, now is an incredible time to go solar.

Solarize the Tri-Lakes

Wednesday June 3:  6:30-8:00 pm, Tupper Lake Goff-Nelson Library

Thursday, June 4: 6:30-8:00 pm, Saranac Lake High School

Friday, June 5: 6:30-8:00 pm Bluseed Studio screening of “Solar Power Revolution-Here Comes the Sun”

Saturday, June 6: 12-3 pm, Town of Franklin Solar Home Tour

“Solarize the Tri-Lakes is open to anyone around the Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake area,” says Perry. “The Town of Franklin has organized a solar house tour for Saturday and there is a movie screening on Friday at BluSeed Studios. All these components are just different ways to education people about solar.”

The 2008 documentary Solar Power Revolution – Here Come the Sun brings to light the need to focus on a green energy future. With interviews from solar industry giants and glimpses into the technical advances, solar is shown as one on the fastest growing industries. International communities work together to create organized solar installations, but lobbying by nuclear and oil industries attempt to foil the process.

So my family will be attending the meeting in Saranac Lake on Wednesday. With the opportunity for a free solar assessment, I’m looking forward to finding out my solar options with or without my neighbor’s tree.

Photo provided by Solarize Tri-Lakes.