Solar Energy is affordable

SOLAR POWER IS AFFORDABLE IN OUR AREA; LEARN HOW AT FREE WORKSHOPS

The mission statement for People for Animal Rights (PAR) includes our aim to protect the Earth, which sustains all beings. So it was natural for PAR to become a sponsor of Solarize Syracuse, a grassroots movement to make solar installations for homes and businesses in our area affordable and accessible. See the list of free workshops below and consider coming to one to learn how you can participate in this program if you live in the city of Syracuse or the towns of Dewitt, Manlius or Onondaga.

Solarize is a grassroots solar movement that is spreading across the US to make solar power more affordable and more accessible than ever.

 

Who We Are
Solarize Syracuse is organized by Alliance for a Green Economy, Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, Frack Action, Greening USA, New York Interfaith Power and Light, Peace Action CNY, and Syracuse Peace Council. Together, we are taking collective action to reduce the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power in our communities and to shift our region to clean, sustainable energy. We invite you to join us.

How It Works

In June, Solarize Syracuse asked area solar installers for bids to partner with us on this campaign. After careful scrutiny and interviews with the installers who responded, NY Solar was chosen. Considerations when choosing were: priority on proven reputation and experience with solar energy, bulk pricing, good local jobs, options for US-made components, and options for purchase and leasing. From July 31-September 12, we’ll host 9 free public workshops to provide an introduction to solar power, an overview of the systems and financial options available, relevant subsidies and tax credits, and other ways to save money and energy. Residents, business owners, and nonprofits in the city of Syracuse and the towns of Dewitt, Manlius and Onondaga can enroll in the Solarize Syracuse program for a free solar assessment. If the assessment is positive, participants can take advantage of volume discount pricing from our partner the contractor as well as assistance qualifying for state and federal subsidies and tax credits to install a solar system at a significantly reduced price. The contract signing deadline for the program will be September 30. Don’t miss this opportunity!

How to Participate
Attend a workshop – We are hosting nine free public workshops from July 31 – September 12. It is strongly suggested that you attend a workshop if you want to participate in the program. RSVP for a workshop at the website above or by calling the number above, and put these dates on your calendar now!

Enroll on our website – If you already know you want to get a site assessment from our partner installer, and you’re ready to sign up, visit our website and fill out the enrollment form. See URL above.

Volunteer – from outreach to event set up, we welcome more people to help with the campaign.

Spread the Word – like us on Facebook, post flyers, and tell everyone you know.

Donate – even just $10 can help us print more promotional materials and cover event costs. Donate at the website above or send a check payable to “Alliance for a Green Economy” with a memo “Solarize Syracuse” and send to Alliance for a Green Economy, 2013 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13210.

Organizational co-sponsors are also welcome. See the website.

The Solarize Model
Solarize is a grassroots model developed by residents of Portland, Oregon, the US Department of Energy, and other community partners. In the past few years, successful Solarize campaigns have spread from Oregon to Massachusetts to New York, including neighboring Madison and Tompkins Counties. Solarize campaigns have the power to double or even triple the amount of installed solar in their communities and invigorate the local solar market.

Thanks to our co-sponsoring organizations Partnership for Onondaga Creek, Syracuse Community Choir, People for Animal Rights, and EnergyWright. Our co-sponsoring organizations are providing critical support to help make Solarize Syracuse a success. If you would like your organization to become a co-sponsor, visit our co-sponsorship page on the website for more information.

Solarize Syracuse Workshops (Save these Dates!)

Solarize Syracuse Kickoff Workshop
Thursday, July 31, 6:00-7:30 pm
City Hall Commons Atrium (201 E. Washington St, Syracuse)

Solarize DeWitt Workshop
Tuesday, August 12, 6:00-7:30 pm
DeWitt Town Hall (5400 Butternut Dr, East Syracuse)

Solarize Fayetteville – Let’s Do This!
Saturday, August 16, Noon-1:30 pm
Fayetteville Free Library (300 Orchard St, Fayetteville)

Solarize Syracuse at Spa at 500
Tuesday, August 19, 6:00-7:30 pm
Spa at 500 (500 W Onondaga St, Syracuse)

Solarize Onondaga
Monday, August 25, 6:00-7:30 pm
Onondaga Free Library (4840 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse)

Solarize Manlius
Thursday, September 4, 6:00-7:30 pm
Manlius Public Library (1 Arkie Albanese Ave, Manlius)

Solarize Workshop at ArtRage Gallery
Tuesday, September 9, 7:00-8:30 pm
ArtRage Gallery (505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse)

Greening USA Green Bag Lunch
Friday, September 12, Noon-1:30 pm
Center of Excellence (727 E Washington St, Syracuse)

Last Chance Workshop at Natur-Tyme
Saturday, September 13, 12:30-2:00 pm
Natur-Tyme (3160 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse)

Linda A. DeStefano is President of People for Animal Rights, P.O. Box 15358, Syracuse 13215-0358, (315)488-PURR (7877) 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., LDESTEFANO3@twcny.rr.com, peopleforanimalrightsofcny.org