MCKINLEY PARK — A new citywide effort called Solar Chicago aims to lower the costs of solar panel installation for homeowners.
Representatives of the Solar Chicago group — comprised of agencies including the city, the World Wildlife Fund, the California-based nonprofit group Vote Solar and the Environmental Law and Policy Center — will host an informational seminar Sept. 3 at the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1915 W. 35th St.
Casey Cora says Solar Chicago is focusing on homeowners who aren't likely moving anytime soon:
The bilingual event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Other Solar Chicago workshops are scheduled for Englewood and Lincoln Park in the coming weeks.
Solar Chicago is a "group procurement plan" which pools together city and suburban residents in a group-buying effort that aims to lower energy costs — the more homes in the pool, the bigger the savings.
The program also aims clear up any confusion over permitting and how to vet legitimate contractors, two areas that typically prevent homeowners from making the leap.
"It's legitimate," said Jim Chilsen, spokesman for the nonpartisan statewide Citizens Utility Board. "In fact, I'd say it's creative programs like [Solar Chicago] that are a good way to get a more reliable and more affordable energy market in the future."
Under the program, installation contractors buy solar panel equipment in bulk and they're expected to pass along the savings — up to a 25 percent discount — to city and suburban customers looking to install solar equipment on their roofs.
"There is an upfront cost. Absolutely. But if you're planning to stay in your home for the next 15 years, you will see a difference in your energy bills," said Seth Johnson, an organizer with the Chicago offices of the Environmental Law and Policy Center.
Special financing is available for equipment and installation; those details will be outlined at the workshop, where residents can also sign up to get free, no-obligation estimates from two of the program's approved contractors, Juhl Energy and Microgrid Solar.
Those companies are handling the designs, permitting and contracts for solar panel projects. Two other companies, Kapital Electric and the McKinley Park-based Ailey Solar are handling the installations.
"Everybody's agreed to take a small margin on this program. It's not like we're going to make a lot of money on one project but if we get enough [homeowners enrolled] it will be good news for us," said Jack Ailey, co-founder of Ailey Solar.
Ailey said residents looking to make the leap to solar can take advantage of the Solar Chicago program as well as the federal tax credits and a state rebates.
"Hopefully it will be a snowball effect and people will see it's a good time to do it," he said.
The deadline to enroll in the program is Sept. 30.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
