Let the sunshine in - without panels on your roof

Ever wish you could enjoy the benefits of solar energy without installing panels on your own roof?
According to Solstice, an organization founded to provide affordable solar energy to those who can't put solar panels on their own roof, residents of Warwick and surrounding towns can now subscribe to a community solar farm at no cost.
On Thursday, May 9, Mayor Michael Newhard and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined representatives of Solstice to celebrate membership in the chamber with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the chamber's South Street "Caboose" office.
"We're thrilled to be partnering with the Warwick Chamber of Commerce to spread the benefits of solar energy to community members," said Solstice co-founder and CEO Steph Speirs. "This is an amazing opportunity for local residents to earn consistent savings, contribute to a clean environment and support good local jobs."
This community solar farm is part of the Warwick Valley Spring Solar Challenge, a campaign sponsored by both the Town of Warwick and Sustainable Warwick to spread the benefits of solar energy across the region.
Community-Shared Solar Farm is now accepting local households and, according to Solstice, subscribers will not only support the environment but they will see guaranteed savings on their electric bill.
The farm is free to join.
Residents who subscribe will be allocated a share of the farm's solar panels that matches their home energy use.
They will get credits on their electric bill for the energy their solar share produces, giving them a discount all year round.
The farm will be built this summer on formerly unused land in Middletown, and there is enough space for about 400 households.
Solstice expects all spots to be filled in the next couple months.
For additional information call 866 826-1997 or visit solstice.us/10percent.
- Roger Gavan