FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2019
CONTACT: Larissa Armstrong 309-454-3169 x.15 or Peter Murphy 262-573-3089
The Ecology Action Center (EAC) of Normal, Illinois and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) are launching Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal, the third iteration of the successful solar group buy program. The program uses the power of volume purchasing to make solar more accessible and affordable for home, business, and farm owners throughout McLean County. “We are excited to partner with MREA again to bring the group buy back to McLean County, providing another opportunity to expand solar in our community,” said Michael Brown, Executive Director for the Ecology Action Center. “The 2016 and 2018 programs were big successes, and we are confident Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal will help our community continue to expand its renewable energy efforts.”
The Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal group buy program offers multiple free, public, one-hour informational sessions called Solar Power Hours to educate the community about the benefits of solar. Navigating the solar market can be intimidating, creating barriers for solar adoption. The Solar Power Hours answer questions about installing solar, helping reduce those barriers. “This year we’re partnering with key local organizations to help spread the word about the program and host the Solar Power Hour presentations,” said Peter Murphy, Solar Program Manager for the MREA. “The presentation provides folks the information they need to determine whether solar is right for them.”
The first Solar Power Hour will take place Monday, May 13 at 6:30 pm at the Bloomington Public Library at 205 East Olive Street. Other community partners hosting Solar Power Hours include Green Top Grocery, the Children’s Discovery Museum, and the YWCA of McLean County. All four organizations are assisting with the program because educating the community about, and ensuring increased access to solar aligns with their missions. Solar Power Hours are scheduled through the program participation deadline of September 30, 2019. All are free and open to the public.
The Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal program enables residents to improve local energy security through the generation of renewable energy while simultaneously conserving energy and reducing long-term energy costs at their homes or businesses.
The Ecology Action Center is a not-for-profit environmental agency with a mission to inspire and assist our community in creating, strengthening and preserving a healthy environment. MREA’s mission is to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
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