LONGMEADOW – In early April, Reminder Publications reported that Longmeadow was planning to partner with the city of Springfield in an application to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Solarize solar power program. This program is an effort to bring together residents of both communities to drive down the cost for solar installation on homes of participating residents. Since the application was submitted, Longmeadow Solar Coach Steve Marantz shared that Longmeadow and Springfield are both moving ahead, and the state is close to approving their application.

Marantz shared that the program would allow residents of both towns to purchase solar systems for their homes at reduced prices, with the final price determined based on how many residents sign up for the program at once. The larger the number of residents participate in the program, the lower the installation cost of the panels could be.

In April, Marantz explained that Solarize Longmeadow was attempting to gage the interest of residents who may want to participate in the program. If the town showed interest through the survey that was released, the town could qualify for the Clean Energy Center’s program. Following the survey, Marantz stated that the survey had enough respondents to prove the town’s interest.

Marantz and the Solarize Longmeadow team is looking for individuals to either sign up to meet with an installer, or to volunteer to help spread the word that they’re expecting the program to come to Longmeadow.

“By signing up, they are not having a commitment to anything except to meet with installers,” Marantz said.     

He stressed that there are a “variety of positives” for individuals who choose to participate in the Solarize program.

“Not only do you save money by getting a negative electric bill, the bulk purchase will be a cost savings too,” Marantz said.

He believes that there will be a cost savings of approximately 20 percent by purchasing solar for homes through the solarize program, along with an additional state incentive.

To learn more about the Solarize program, there will be a table each Thursday at the Longmeadow Farmers Market, which takes place in the Longmeadow Shops on Bliss Rd.  Additionally, residents are welcome to email Marantz at solarizelongmeadow@gmail.com to ask questions or inquire about the program.

“Saving money on installation, on the electric bill and saving the planet, it’s a super deal all the way around,” Marantz said. “It’s been a successful program in other communities in the State. This isn’t just a Longmeadow effort or a state effort, it’s a combined effort.”