From Matt Zettek, Holliston Sustainability Coordinator

The municipalities of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, and Natick are proud to announce the launch of the MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge to provide residents and local small businesses with an easy and affordable option to go solar as well as switch to clean heating and cooling technologies. Developed over the last six months by municipal staff and local volunteers, the new program connects homes and small business owners to discounted pricing for solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and ground-source heat pumps through the following qualified installers:

• Ace Solar for solar panels, which convert clean, free sunlight to electricity, reduce air pollution, and can reduce or eliminate monthly electricity bills,
• New England Ductless for air-source heat pumps, which are a flexible, cost-effective and energy-efficient option for heating and air conditioning, and
• Achieve Renewable Energy for ground-source heat pumps, which are the most efficient heating and cooling system available and are reliable even on the coldest days.

Residents and small business owners of the four municipalities can learn more at MetroWestCleanEnergy.com, sign up for a no-cost clean energy assessment, and register for the program’s virtual “Meet the Installers” launch event on June 17 at 7 PM. During the event, Ace Solar, New England Ductless and Achieve Renewable Energy will each provide an overview of their qualifications, respective clean energy technology, and their discounted pricing. Presentations will be followed by a brief Q&A session to answer questions from attendees about the program, installers, and technologies.

This MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge is available through December 2021. As part of the program, property owners can sign up for a no-cost clean energy assessment of their home or building for solar, air-source heat pumps, or ground-source heat pumps. Assessments can be done virtually or in-person, and local volunteers and municipal staff will be available to answer questions and help participants navigate the process.

For more information about the program and the technologies, please visit MetroWestCleanEnergy.com or contact metrowestcleanenergy@gmail.com. Holliston residents and small businesses can also contact the Sustainability Coordinator, Matt Zettek, directly regarding the program or about volunteering opportunities at sustainability@holliston.k12.ma.us.