Would you like to save money, save energy, and help save the planet? An exciting new initiative can help you and your Northeast Portland neighbors do all that and make your home more comfortable at the same time.

Solarize Northeast is a volunteer-driven community effort of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) to bring solar electric technology and the benefits of weatherization to Northeast Portland homes. Modeled on a project developed by Southeast Uplift, interested neighbors will join forces to enjoy significant savings through the bulk purchase of solar electric (photovoltaic) panels. One or more contractors selected through a competitive proposal process will perform site assessments and install panels on participating homes this spring.

The project will also offer to help residents find resources to make their homes more energy efficient, increasing comfort and reducing utility costs. Residents may choose to participate in the solar option or the weatherization option or both.

In addition, a series of workshops will be offered covering the basics of going solar, tax credits and other financial incentives, the details of connecting to the power grid, how to finance the purchase of solar panels, and the basics of weatherization. There is no fee associated with the Solarize Northeast project, and all the workshops are free.

You can sign up for the program at the Solarize Northeast website, http://solarize.necoalition.org. There you can also learn more about the project and view the workshop schedule. You must sign up by April 15, 2010 in order to participate. Questions can be directed to the program manager, Kelly Rodgers, solarize@necoalition.org, 503-823-9134