New Group Promotes Energy Efficiency in Sharon

Some Sharon homes will get free energy assessments because their owners visited the on Monday night.

Having solar-paneled homes and businesses is among the new Sustainable Sharon Coalition's goals, member Silas Fyler said during the forum, the group's first.

Establishing a farmers' market, and bike paths with rentals, are among the many other goals on the group's list.

The coalition is "working towards a vision of Sharon as a leading sustainable community," according to Fyler's slide presentation.

"There's limited resources in this world," Fyler said.

"We need to husband those resources for our children and grandchildren."

Some guests Monday night requested free home energy audits through a partnership between the Mass Energy Consumers Alliance and Next Step Living Inc.

Next Step Director of Community Programs Gabe Shapiro said that while replacing windows is an option, there are "many more less expensive ways" to increase a home's energy efficiency.

Floors, walls and ceilings should be eyed, he said.

"Focus on the attic and basement," Shapiro said.

Homeowners can save on the work through instant rebates and through reduced energy bills, he said.

Shapiro said homeowners need assistance understanding their energy efficiency options.

"People will take action to do this stuff if they hear about it from someone they know and trust," Shapiro said.

About 15 percent of homes qualify for roof solar panels through their roof's orientation and lack of obstructions, he said.

Homeowners receiving solar-powered electricity typically pay electric rates of "2 to 4 cents below what you're paying NSTAR or National Grid," he said.

Fyler said the coalition differs from Sharon's Energy Advisory Committee, which focuses on town buildings and schools.

"We'd like to do a farmers' market," he said.

"The energy committee has nothing to do with that."