PLEASE NOTE: The Truro Library January 4 meeting has been cancelled due to weather. The Provincetown Library meeting January 17 at 6:30 and the Wellfleet Library meeting January 31 at 6:30 are both still scheduled for your information needs.
Please come to an introductory meeting and discussion from Outer Cape Solarize Plus.  This program is sponsored by the Energy Committees of the Towns of Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, and Provincetown and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.  It is designed to educate our fellow citizens about how to have both a greener way of life and save money in the process.  The public is invited to hear about our program and to ask questions.  Outer Cape Solarize Plus will be running during the Fall, Winter, and Spring of 2017 and 2018.
Our program has three goals, or “parts”: To encourage solar photovoltaic (PV) installations for residents and small businesses on the Outer Cape; to encourage the adoption of technologies that use green-generated electricity in place of carbon-based fuels; and to encourage the overall reduction of energy usage through conservation.
The first part encourages the installation of solar panels on homes and small businesses in our towns.  Not only does this add to the production of green energy, but it is a money-making investment. We will explain a tiered pricing structure where, the more people who install solar, the lower the price will be for all.  We will also explain the financial incentives available as tax credits and the siting requirements for installing solar panels.
We will also discuss technologies that replace the use of carbon-based fuels with less expensive green electricity. We will talk about mini-splits, air source heat pumps, air source hot water heaters and electric vehicles. This part of the program is being done in partnership with Cape and Islands Self-Reliance.  Self-Reliance is a nonprofit that helps educates the Cape and Islands community on energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
The final part of the program involves energy savings through weatherization and other conservation measures. Everyone should have a free home energy audit which provides a list of recommended improvements. If the homeowner, renter or small business decides to make any of these improvements, the Cape Light Compact will offer subsidies, often 75% or more, towards their cost.  This part of the program will be conducted in partnership with the Cape Light Compact. The Cape Light Compact is a nationally recognized award-winning energy services organization operated by all 21 towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and Dukes County.
For more information, visit Outer Cape Solarize and sign up on their website outercapesolarize.org or email them at info@outercapesolarize.org.