Town of Framinghan Partners with Next Step Living To Encourage Homeowners To Consider Solar Energy

The Town of Framingham, with its leading sustainable energy partners, worked diligently to meet the criteria established by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to become a Designated Green Community and to be a part of the Clean Energy Revolution.

As part of the Clean Energy Revolution, the Town of Framingham supports sustainable energy enhancement in our community through a partnership with several private energy companies and vendors, said a press release.

"One of our community energy partners, Next Step Living, is expanding their role in the partnership to offer homeowners the ability to explore the potential for their homes to 'go solar' and thereby reduce their carbon footprint," stated a press release.

"We’re excited to expand our relationship with Framingham,” said Next Step Living Vice President of Outreach.  “Together we share a commitment to helping residents reduce their energy costs, make their homes more comfortable and reduce their carbon footprint by going solar.”

“This is another great program in which our residents and property owners can conserve energy, reduce their carbon footprint and save money," said Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin in a press release.

Last year, Next Step Living conducted energy efficiency outreach throughout Framingham, which resulted in about 1,000 homeowners getting home energy assessments.

Almost half of those homeowners took additional steps to improve their 
homes’ energy efficiency and lower their utility bills by weatherizing their homes or installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling system called a ductless mini split. 

As part of the Solarize Framingham program, Next Step Living will be introducing homeowners to the benefits of solar power systems, which include: 
• Savings of up to 25 percent. Relying on solar power for electricity makes you less susceptible to electricity rate increases. 
• Increased resale value of your home. Solar power systems are an asset to a home if or when you decide to sell. For every $1,000 annual reduction in your utility costs, the value of the home increases by an estimated $20,000. 
• Long lasting. Panels can last between 25 and 35 years, and there is no maintenance needed.

In the months ahead, Next Step Living will be contacting Framingham homeowners to explain how a solar power system might be a good idea for them.
  
Framingham residents who go solar before September 31, 2014 will take part in a tiered-pricing structure that rewards residents by reducing the price, as more Framingham residents sign up for solar through this program. 

Participation in the solar program is voluntary.

While Next Step Living would like to offer you the opportunity to save money on your electric bills and secure favorable pricing, resident should be aware that there are other qualified vendors available to assist them in evaluating whether solar power is right for their home.