Although climate disruption will hurt almost all sectors of the natural and human worlds, the Environmental Justice Center at Chestnut Hill United Church recognizes that those at the margins of society — the elderly, the very young, the medically fragile, the poor — will be disproportionately harmed. Thus, addressing climate change is a moral imperative for the Center and its host organization.

One of the initiatives of the Environmental Justice Center involves partnering with Northwest Philly Solar Co-op to help homeowners learn what’s involved in rooftop solar. NPSC educates neighbors about solar energy and works with solar installers to organize buying groups. This results in lower prices and a more streamlined process for everyone involved. 

Meenal Raval, the Solar Co-op’s coordinator, says a group of 12 Mt. Airy households formed the first neighborhood buying group. The solar panels being installed on all these properties are expected to have a cumulative carbon reduction of 55.8 metric tons per year for the life of the installations — 25 years, probably longer. 

NPSC has begun recruiting for their second buying group. “We’re eager to organize groups in nearby suburbs like Cheltenham, Erdenheim, Ambler and Lafayette Hill,” Raval said.

Come learn about what’s involved in getting solar on your roof! It’s free, and all are invited. We’ll discuss what makes a site right for solar panels, as well as issues like payback periods and tax breaks. Bring a recent electric bill. 

The Ambler Environmental Advisory Committee and Ambler Borough Parks and Recreation are cosponsoring the workshop.

The group will meet on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. in the Ambler Borough Council Meeting Room, 131 Rosemary Ave. Contact joybergey@gmail.com or 215-313-1311 for more information.