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Date: 4/5/2018
LONGMEADOW – The town of Longmeadow and the city of Springfield are coming together to apply to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Solarize solar power program. This program has the ability to bring together residents of both areas in an effort to drive down the cost for solar installation on the homes of interested residents.
Longmeadow Solar Coach Steve Marantz is a proponent of clean energy with his major passion being climate change. Marantz installed solar panels on his home a few years ago, and has been enjoying reaping the benefits of a negative electric bill. He explained that the payback period is only six to eight years, meaning in just a few years the cost of installing the solar panels on his home will have paid for itself.
When Marantz first heard about the Solarize program, he was happy to help and become the Solar Coach for the town, as it’s something he’s passionate about. He shared the program would allow residents of both towns to purchase solar systems at reduced prices, with the final price determined based on how many residents sign up at once. The larger the number of residents participate in the program, the lower the installation cost of the panels could be.
“To act locally, we have to think locally,” Marantz said of the Solarize program.
In a press release regarding the program, since its launch in 2011, there have been more than 17,000 people expressing interest in solar electricity.
“Over 3,200 residents and business owners in the 63 communities signed contracts resulting in 21.6 megawatts of contracted capacity. In addition, the number of small-scale solar electricity projects in almost every community doubled as a result of the program,” the release stated.
Marantz explained that to qualify for the Clean Energy Center’s program, Longmeadow residents would need to show that they’re interested in learning more about residential solar systems and potentially installing them on their homes. Currently, the survey has 54 responses from interested participants. To take the survey, go here.
In addition, Marantz shared that they’re looking for a few resident volunteers to work with them and assist in generating publicity and interest on the program.
After the application for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Solarize solar power program is submitted, by its deadline May 31, Marantz noted they should know within six weeks if Longmeadow and Springfield will receive the grant. The grant is for $5,000, which Marantz said may not be a lot of money, but with it comes plenty of expertise from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
Should the town and city receive the grant, the next step for the group to do is to choose the installer through an interview process. Marantz stated that they will have to take cost per kilowatt and panels, local companies versus non-local companies and how fast the installment process would be into consideration when selecting which company to work with.
Marantz said residents would have the choice to either lease the solar panels on their home or to buy them. Of the benefits for those who participate, Marantz noted, “No electric bill, payback is only six to eight years, and having a huge impact on CO2 emissions.”
He added the only “drawback” he could see from participating in the program and installing solar could be esthetics, should that be a concern for some residents.
“It’s a chance to save money, save more money and do right by the environment,” he said.
For questions or concerns relating to the Solarize program, contact Marantz at solarizelongmeadow@gmail.com.