The New York Power Authority will offer three free hands-on adult solar workshops next week to the community as part of a new partnership with the Albany Public Library. Solar experts from NYPA's Environmental Justice team will educate participants about solar technology, rooftop and community solar options, financing and incentives that will help reduce home electric bills.
"There are many ways residents can bring the benefits of solar to their own homes - from installing panels on a roof to participating in a community solar program that provides energy credits that reduce monthly utility bills," said Matt Caruso, manager, Environmental Justice. "This is a chance to learn what the next steps are to save energy and money and make solar work for you in your situation."
The pilot program is intended to help both homeowners and renters leverage available resources to reduce electricity bills and save money. Each family will also receive a free weatherization kit to help improve their comfort at home while improving energy efficiency.
Workshops will be offered as follows. RSVP is required.
Washington branch
Monday, July 24 at 5-7 p.m.
161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
RSVP to doroskin@albanypubliclibrary.org
Arbor Hill branch
Wednesday, July 26 at 4:30-5:45 p.m.
148 Henry Johnson Blvd., Albany, NY 12210
RSVP to cassidym@albanypubliclibrary.org
Howe branch
Thursday, July 27 at 3:30-5:30 p.m.
105 Schuyler St., Albany, NY 12210
RSVP to dudeks@albanypubliclibrary.org
NYPA's Environmental Justice team partnered with the Albany Public Library and the Historic Albany Foundation to offer the workshops. The Environmental Justice program offers educational programs about clean energy and sustainability, and provides resources to help under-resourced communities located near NYPA's power assets.
Nolan Doroski, adult services librarian at the Albany Public Library's Washington branch, said: "Libraries exist to educate and empower their users. There are few things more empowering than solar energy and the freedom it can provide to the community. We're excited to partner up with New York Power Authority to help the community lower their energy bills, improve the environment, and get up to speed on the use of solar technology in their homes."
Kimberley Parker, program and communications manager at Historic Albany Foundation, said: "The workshops provide a great way for our constituents to learn how they can access financial assistance and invest in sustainable energy, helping to improve their homes. As a nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing the issues of equity and sustainability and how it relates to the housing stock of Albany, these workshops are an important addition to our schedule."
NYPA partners with local organizations and community groups to host similar free events. For more information, contact environmentaljustice@nypa.gov.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
Contact: Lynne Smith lynne.smith@nypa.gov
