Are you interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to help save your business money, or reduce your environmental impact, but have been turned off by the starting costs?

Join us on November 8 at 6:30 pm at the Hart Community Center for an informative workshop about solar energy systems. As the cost of energy continues to rise, farmers, rural small businesses, and residents are looking to renewable energy to meet their operational needs and reduce their environmental impact.

Allan O’Shea of CBS Solar will be presenting information about how solar energy systems work, the advantages of going solar, ground mount and rooftop applications, start-up costs, and pay off periods. Rick Vanderbeek from USDA Rural Development will be providing information about grant funding for farmers and rural businesses that is available through the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP). Rick will review eligibility criteria and the grant application process. There will also be a panel of local farmers/businesses in Oceana County that will share their own experiences using solar energy.

Please call (231) 861-5600 or email suzie.knoll@macd.org to register, so that we can provide adequate materials for participants.