FREEPORT

The success of Solarize Freeport continues grow into the new year, as more and more residents are signing up for the program well after last year’s September deadline.

Town Planner Donna Larson said on Wednesday that “people keep signing up and keep coming in, and they just want more.”

“The installers are calling it Solarize Freeport 2.0,” she said. “For whatever reason, people were interested, but didn’t get around to it. I hear different things like, ‘I couldn’t do it then, but I’m interested now’ (or) ‘my neighbor and my friend did it, and I’ve seen (the results) six months later,’” she said.

The Freeport program is the state’s first municipal-led solarization project and, so far, more than 40 homes have completed installation.

For those jumping in now, Larson said the prices should be similar, if not the same to what it was before, and will also be extended to Pownal and Durham.

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“I haven’t heard anyone disappointed with the output and what they had done,” she said. “After people see a friend or a neighbor who has had it for a while and see … this is how it works, then they’re a lot more interested in doing it.”

1 percent mark

Larson also noted that Maine has just recently hit the 1 percent threshold, meaning 1 percent of the residential sector is powered by solar, though she said, “it could be so much higher.”

The town will be hosting a “phase two” kickoff event later this month for those who are interested in pursuing solar, or for those who are wanting to further reduce energy costs in their home or business.

The sessions will also include more information on heat pumps, weatherization, pellet boilers and possible bulk purchase opportunities.

“A lot of times what we see is that people will put in solar, and they’ll want to insulate and improve their efficiency … and the more insulated the house, the more efficiently the heat pump can function,” Larson said.

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Heat pump used

Larson said the town office currently utilizes a heat pump, which may be used for demonstration during the kickoff.

“I’m not sure what the terms are going to be, but it may be the same thing, so if many people want to sign up the price will go down,” she said.

The kickoff event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Town Hall on 30 Main St.

dkim@timesrecord.com

Kickoff event

• FREEPORT WILL BE hosting a “phase two” kickoff event on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Town Hall. It is for those who are interested in pursuing solar, or for those who are wanting to further reduce energy costs in their home or business.



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