Solarize NWI Expands the Time Window for Discounted Solar

nirpcNIRPC and South Shore Clean Cities are excited to be able to extend the deadline for participating in Solarize NWI to July 31, 2015. The extension is a result of new information from NIPSCO that their Feed-in Tariff program for small solar systems still has many slots available! Solarize reduces the cost and complexity of adding solar as an energy source for your home and business. The NIPSCO Feed-in Tariff provides an opportunity to secure payment from NIPSCO for electricity you generate. If you have ever wondered if solar could be right for you, there has never been a better time to find out. For residents or businesses in Dyer, Gary, Hobart, and Valparaiso, their hometown can win a free demonstration solar system with enough sign ups.

Many people are interested in saving money on their electric bill, creating clean energy, and supporting green jobs. But, many believe the up-front costs will be too high, or they just don't know how to start. Solarize reduces up front costs by providing group discount pricing. The more solar capacity we commit to installing as a region between now and July 31st, the more the price falls for everyone! We'll keep you posted as people sign up and prices drop.

Solarize NWI makes it easy for you because we have competitively secured a highly qualified experienced solar installer for you. Our Solarize Installer, Midwest Wind and Solar will provide a free no obligation solar assessment and proposal for property owners in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. They can also help you navigate and understand the costs and benefits, additional incentives such as federal tax credits, as well as financing opportunities.

Solarize NWI also coincides with NIPSCO 's new Feed-in Tariff (alternative energy payment program). Large systems over 10 kW in generating capacity can no longer apply, but they continue to accept applications for installations with capacity to generate between 5 and 10 kW. Standard solar electricity programs are for Net Metering, which allows your system to generate credits for yourself on the electric grid, so that you only pay for the electricity over and above your solar generation. The current Feed-In Tariff program allows a qualified NIPSCO customer to lock-in a 15 year contract to sell your electricity to NIPSCO for direct payment at a price above current retail rates.

To learn more about Solarize NWI, or to sign up for a free no-obligation solar assessment and proposal go to solarizenwi.com. You can also contact NIRPC to request a presentation to your civic organization, homeowners association, or neighborhood group.

Supporting clean alternative energy in Northwest Indiana, with partners like South Shore Clean Cities, NIPSCO, and enterprising communities such as Dyer, Gary, Hobart, and Valparaiso is one way NIRPC works to support the long term economic growth, quality of life, and natural resources of our region. Growing the market for solar rooftop installations create good local jobs and increases property values, while reducing pollution.

More information about solar energy can be found at www.nirpc.org/environment/solar.

Requests for alternative formats may be directed to Meredith Stilwell, 219-763-6060, ext. 138, or mstilwell@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana Relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

NIRPC is a regional council of local governments serving the three counties of Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana region is an integral part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. NIRPC provides a forum that enables the residents of Northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the environment and community and economic development. NIRPC is the voice of regionalism in Northwestern Indiana, and a developer of consensus-backed solutions.