CANTON -- St. Lawrence County will take part in Community Solar NY, a program that will make investing in solar power easier and more affordable for local residents and businesses.

The Solarize St. Lawrence County program will kick off with a workshop on June 15 from 6 -7:30 at the High Peaks Winery, 805 Pickle Street, Winthrop, where residents and business owners can learn about the program.

Community Solar NY makes implementing solar easier and more affordable by supporting locally-organized community outreach aimed at getting a critical mass of area homes and businesses to install solar and obtain competitive pricing, thereby lowering the cost. Historically, Solarize campaigns lower the cost of solar 20 percent, before tax credits and deductions.

After a thorough pre-qualification process, Solarize St. Lawrence County has selected Apex Solar as its designated solar installer. Residents and businesses who sign up for solar installations by September 1st will be able to take advantage of group rates below market prices.

“You will probably be surprised to learn just how much money you will save by going solar,” Assistant County Administrator Philip Paige said. “In addition to the savings going Solar brings, it was important for us to select an installer with a local presence."

Solarize St. Lawrence County is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the NY-Sun initiative. NY-Sun will invest up to $1 billion in solar power through 2023 to significantly expand solar installations across the State, ultimately transforming New York’s solar industry to become self-sustaining.

Solarize St. Lawrence County will officially kick off on June 15 when it holds its first workshop. Residents and businesses owners who are interested in learning more about Solarize St. Lawrence County are urged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

More information about Solarize St. Lawrence County can be found by visiting www.facebook.com/solarizeslc or by contacting Apex Solar.