Solar panels donated to help lower home energy bills

Thursday, August 11, 2011
Four solar panels have been donated the Putnam RISE by ONe Planet Solar and Wind, Inc. to be part of the RISE Green Home Makeover.

Putnam County families can now apply to have a solar panel system installed at no charge through Putnam RISE efforts to lower home energy bills.

The 1.120 kw solar array using a new Enphase Energy micro-inverter system from www.oneplanetsolar.com (One Planet Solar and Wind, Inc.) is the most recent of donated products and services to the Putnam RISE "Green Home Makeover," along with Shuee & Sons Great Buys Energy Star appliances, Energy Conservation Solutions (Roachdale) services and Parke County REMC weatherization materials.

The Green Home Makeover is one of 21 Putnam County homes to be selected for home energy and weatherization investments made possible by donated products and services as well as Putnam County Community Foundation and Vectren Foundation grants. In total, the 21 homes will receive an approximate value of $60,000 in grant investments and donated goods and services.

Households must have annual incomes of $45,000 or less to be eligible for the Green Home Makeover and weatherization projects. Applications and referrals are encouraged by calling 720-7610, going online at www.putnamrise.org/homes/weatherization, or by visiting Bainbridge Town Hall, Greencastle City Hall or the Putnam County Senior Center.

"The RISE home energy-saving efforts are so important, not just for the households directly involved, but as an example to all households," said Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray. "By assessing our home energy use and making some cost-efficient changes, we can all begin saving much-needed dollars for our families and for our community."

Led by the City of Greencastle, Putnam RISE (Renewal, Investment, Savings and Efficiency) is a yearlong initiative bringing energy savings and investments to schools, homes, and businesses throughout Putnam County. The March and April Putnam RISE Energy Challenge helped local school corporations save as much as 20 percent on energy bills, earning a visit and praise from U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar.

RISE also includes a "Buy Local Bucks" incentive for energy efficiency-related purchases and an Energy Savings Pledge completed by 1,590 households. Visit www.putnamrise.org for more information.

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