Homes and businesses in Collier are being encouraged to follow the township’s lead and turn to the sun for power.
Solarize Collier Township, a campaign operated by nonprofit SmartPower in partnership with the township, will be discussed at a workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Collier Township Community Center, 5 Pvt. Lobaugh Drive. Those who attend can meet with solar installers and can sign up to get free price quotes for adding a solar system to their home or business.
Solar power is easily obtainable in Collier, according to Sharon Pillar, who manages the Solarize Allegheny program for SmartPower. Solarize Allegheny aims to double the county’s solar installations within two years.
“The biggest misconception people have is that solar doesn’t work in cloudy Western Pennsylvania, but we get more energy from the sun than Germany — the leading solar nation,” she said in a statement. “A home in Collier Township can create as much solar electricity as a home in Arizona simply be adding an extra solar panel or two.”
Collier began using a solar energy system about three years ago after having panels installed on the roof of its south-facing public works building on Hilltop Road — it was the first government building in Allegheny County to do so.
When the township’s public works employees go home for the day, the solar energy goes back to the power company and Collier gets credit for it.
Using solar energy is saving Collier about $10,000 a year, according to township manager Sal Sirabella.
“Collier is leading the way with installation of our own solar system,” Mr. Sirabella said in a statement, adding that many homes in the township would be good candidates for solar energy.
“With the dramatic drop in solar prices over the past several years, solar is now a great investment and can save residents and business owners thousands of dollars for decades,” he added.
Solarize Allegheny is supported by the Heinz Endowments and SmartPower.
To register for the workshop Tuesday in Collier or for more information: http://www.solarizeallegheny.org/our-communities/solarize-collier-township/.
To contact Ms. Pillar: spillar@smartpower.org. To contact Mr. Sirabella: ssirabella@colliertwp.net or 412-279-2525.
Carole Gilbert Brown, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
First Published: May 6, 2016, 4:00 a.m.
