Solarize Akwesasne held a community information evening at the Akwesasne Housing Authority Training Center on Thursday, June 18, 2015. Representatives from Solarize Akwesasne! committee members, the United States Department of Agriculture, ANCA and SUNY Canton Career Ready Education and Success Training were present to answer any question community members had on Solarize Akwesasne! Participants arrived with technical and practical questions and queries on solar energy and how having solar panels installed on your home or business can generate enough energy to reduce or even eliminate your utility bill.

The large box Mr. Simon is touching displays the amount of energy the solar panels make in a 24-hour cycle. When the panels make more energy, it is stored and sent to National Grid where it is credited, thus lowering and often eliminating the utility bill.

To put theory into practice, Michel Simon gave a guided tour of the Akwesasne Housing Authority Training Center building, which is powered entirely from solar energy.

Solarize Akwesasne is made possible by a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Community Solar NY under the NY-Sun initiative, the Akwesasne Housing Authority became a participant in NYSERDA-sponsored educational and outreach solar campaign known as Community Solar NY or Solarize Akwesasne!. This new initiative, in partnership with Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), makes solar easier and more affordable through community driven initiatives and NYSERDA funding.

You can find more information on the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe website or call 518 358 2272. Solarize Akwesasne will have a booth at the Akwesasne Wellness Clinic (to be held at the former IGA building) on Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 10:00am to 5:00pm.