Going Solar programs popular in Bloomington, Columbus and Indianapolis

SIREN’s Woodie Bessler and Terry Usrey gave their popular Going Solar presentation three times in March to different audiences. The dates and locations were:

• Bloomington, March 3, 7pm –St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 3800 E. Third St. (open to the public)
• Columbus, March 18 – lunch meeting hosted by Cummins Engine (private)
• Indianapolis, March 19, 7-9pm  – Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, SE corner of 79^th and Allisonville Rd. (open to the public)

They talked about the costs, financial incentives, carbon savings, and other considerations for installing solar and geothermal systems.  Options presented include solar water heaters, solar electric panels, and geothermal heating systems.  Learn what is involved, how SIREN is promoting solar power in Indiana, and how you can request a free solar pre-assessment to determine the solar potential of your home.

The Bloomington and Indianapolis sessions share a special bond. They are hosted by two of the six communities of faith that worked together to win a $150,000 grant from the state Office of Economic Development for the purchase of solar panels. SIREN and two Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light local affiliates—Earth Care in Bloomington and Indianapolis Green Congregations in Indy—assisted in preparing and securing the grant.

On March 3, over 200 congregants gathered to celebrate their solar panels, while the accompanying Going Solar presentation drew an overflow crowd and had to be given twice.