Cape Compact to launch solar pilot program

Published on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Barnstable, MA -- The Cape Light Compact will launch a pilot program to replace electric hot water storage heaters with solar domestic hot water heaters. The Cape Light Compact will announce the program at the AmeriCorps Cape Cod Bourne House at 50 Dr. Julius Kelly Lane in Pocasset on May 1, 2008. from 1 to 2 p.m.

“This is the first home that will benefit from this rebate program,” said Bob Mahoney, Cape Light Compact Chairman and Representative for the Town of Dennis. “It is more than appropriate that the first home houses half of the AmeriCorps Cape Cod members that give back to the community for a year of their lives.”

Cape Light Compact will be piloting the program in the hopes of offering a standard program in 2009. The program will focus on families of four or more, and the rebates will be based upon family size. The rebate will help up to 19 families.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory notes, “Depending on the type of conventional fuel used, replacing an electric water heater with a solar heater can offset the equivalent of 40% to 100% of the carbon dioxide emissions of a modern passenger car.”

The Cape Light Compact will offer the program on a first-come, first-serve basis for customers that have fully participated in the Home Energy Audit from May 1st to November 30th.