New program will donate solar panels to Bellingham Food Bank

Sustainable Connections and some local businesses have launched a program that will donate solar panels to the Bellingham Food Bank when panels are installed on local homes or businesses.

Three free workshops to learn more about solar power and the new program, called Solarize Whatcom, will be held in January and February. Ecotech Solar, Western Solar and Itek Energy are the business partners in the effort.

The program provides free site assessments and options for low-rate loans through Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union. Projects are eligible for all state and federal tax credits and incentives, according to Sustainable Connections.

For every installation contract signed during the campaign, a solar panel will be donated and installed on the Bellingham Food Bank’s building. The panels should reduce operating costs for the food bank, freeing up more money to help feed the hungry in the community.

“Many businesses and residents have been thinking about installing solar panels but have questions,” said Rose Lathrop, green building and smart growth manager at Sustainable Connections, in a press release. “This program makes it easy, supports local businesses and helps the Bellingham Food Bank.”

Workshops will be held at the Sustainable Connections office at 1701 Ellis St., Suite 221. Go to sustainableconnections.org to register for one of the following:

▪  4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26.

▪  11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.

▪  10:30 to noon Sunday, Feb. 21.

For more information check the website or contact Lathrop at rosel@sustainableconnections.org or call 360-647-7093, ext.107.

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 8:00 AM with the headline "New program will donate solar panels to Bellingham Food Bank."