No electric bills, less carbon footprint, more jobs. Who wouldn’t want that?

Solarize Philly Solar Manager Laura Riggell talks with Charles Ellison, host of WURD’s Reality Check, about how Philly became one of the fastest growing solar energy markets in the country.  Plus, more on what many residents doing to eliminate their electrical bills, and how Philly has found a pioneering way to make solar installation affordable for low-income families.

“The mission is to help Philadelphians go solar at home,” Riggell explain. “Solarize is a group buying program, meaning everyone who signs up for the program has access to group buying discounts and is able to leverage their buying power. One of the benefits is that they will receive below-market prices from installers.”

Why are so many people going solar in Philly?

“Climate change is a driver for many people installing solar on their homes as they want to reduce their carbon footprint.  We’re also seeing significant savings on electrical bills for those who decide to go solar. Many customers are sending in their $1 PECO bills to show how excited they are to save so much money and to producer their own energy.”

So, in Philly, there are a lot of people looking for jobs. How does Philly going Solar help this situation.

“This is also about hiring local people to do clean energy work and that’s growing local jobs. You’re able to stimulate the local economy and encourage more jobs at home. For example, we’re supporting high schoolers to get training in solar installation through our Find Your Power program.  If you have high school students interested in a summer internship, get in touch with us. Two of our partners have also been offering solar installation training to adults in the city. Philadelphians are seeing the value of this industry and as a result companies are hiring.”

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