SOLVANG — Solvang residents may be able to take advantage of free home energy assessments, group discounts, cash rebates and low interest financing for home energy efficiency upgrades as part of the 50 Home Challenge. The 50 Home Challenge is a joint initiative of the Santa Barbara County’s emPower Central Coast program and the nonprofit CHERP (Community Home Energy Retrofit Project) aimed at engaging an entire community and retrofitting 50 single family homes to make them more energy efficient.
The 50 Home Challenge community kickoff event begins at 5:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 18 at Solvang City Hall, 1644 Oak St. Attendees will learn about resources made available by the Challenge and benefits from making energy improvements, such as upgrading a home’s insulation, furnace, air conditioner and installing solar. County Supervisor Joan Hartmann and Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson will attend to help launch the initiative.
To RSVP, go to www.emPowerSBC.org/50HC or call (805) 568-3556.
“Buildings are among the biggest consumers of energy in the country, with the residential sector accounting for about 36 percent of the electricity used in Solvang,” said Third District Supervisor Hartmann. “The 50 Home Challenge is a way to make a notable impact on reducing energy use, while also creating more comfortable and healthier living spaces for homeowners.”
The event offers attendees the opportunity to sign up for a home energy assessment with an emPower Energy Coach and receive a detailed report on their home energy use. California Tacos will be on hand with their food truck serving complimentary tacos, and attendees can enter for a chance to win a Nest Learning Thermostat.
“We’re hoping that Solvang is just the beginning and we’ll be able to hold the 50 Home Challenge in as many communities in Santa Barbara County as possible,” said Devon Hartman, CHERP’s executive director. “We want everyone to know that their decisions at home have real global impacts and tremendous benefits for their families and community.”
About emPower Central Coast: The emPower program was established by the County of Santa Barbara to offer incentives, financing and free technical advice to help single-family homeowners make home energy upgrades easier and more affordable.
About CHERP: CHERP is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that was created to eliminate barriers to success of our critical, national energy efficiency goals.