Here Comes the Sun: Meet Natick's Solar Installer

NATICK, MA—Thinking about solar?

Natick's got a state-funded, volunteer-led program called Solarize Mass. Natick, which focuses on making solar simple and affordable for Natick property owners.

Residents and business owners are invited to join volunteers and representatives from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Department of Energy Resources for the launch of Solarize Mass. Natick on Thursday, May 19, at 7 p.m. the Natick Community Senior Center.

The program is based on a proven community solar purchasing model that has worked successfully in over 100 communities in MA, VT, CT and NY, said the announcement.

"It is designed to reduce the cost of solar, simplify the installation process, and make it a beneficial financial decision and smart investment for homeowners and businesses," said the release.

Solarize Mass Natick relies on four key components to reduce installation costs:

1. a competitively selected installer;
2. a tiered pricing system which reduces costs for all participants as more people sign contracts;
3. a community-based marketing approach which includes education and access to uniform solar pricing;
4. and a limited sign-up window to encourage participation.

At the launch, meet Boston Solar, Natick’s designated solar installer, and earn about pricing, solar equipment options, and state and federal incentives. They will also have a chance to ask questions and sign up for home assessments. Light refreshments will be provided and babysitting will be available.

“This is a really good time to go solar,” said Natick’s Solar Coach, Jay Turner, in a statement. “Solarize Mass. Natick will deliver prices that are 25 percent less than the average cost of a 2015 Natick solar install, and the state has just expanded incentives for solar, including a new subsidized loan program. Solarize Mass Natick offers purchase and lease options, which means residents can start saving money on their monthly electric bill from day one.”

Jillian Wilson Martin, the Town of Natick’s sustainability coordinator added, in a statement, “The discounted pricing available through Solarize Mass Natick means homes that were previously not a good fit for solar may now be viable. We encourage all residents to have their roof assessed and to learn about their solar options.”

Learn more about the program here.