Solar energy will soon be available for purchase for residents of Tioga and Broome Counties. Local officials have plans to introduce Southern Tier Solar Works later in the week, an initiative of the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition. The program will start with a bulk solar buying and leasing program for homeowners and small businesses, and there will be ten educational workshops to inform residents on how the program and incentives work. The first workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st at Tioga Downs in Nichols. Details on exactly how Southern Tier Solar Works will operate, including possible locations of solar panels, remain scarce at this time. Similar programs already exist in Tompkins County, among others in the state, as counties look to grow energy efficiency. Proponents for the program say residents can go solar with little to no upfront costs. There are also grants, tax credits, loans, and leasing available through the program.
