Solar panels are popping up on roofs of houses and businesses all over Camden. Are you wondering how they work? How much they cost? Whether such an array might make sense for you, both financially and as a contribution to limiting the climate crisis that threatens our town’s beautiful harbor and river basin? 
 
Join fellow Camden Residents Pete Kalajian, David Babski, and Brian Lightbody at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, to learn more about their experiences in having solar panels on houses in Camden. 
 
In another in its series of Camden Talks Climate evenings, “Plugging Into Solar” sponsor CamdenCAN (Climate Action Now) aims to help Camden residents learn more about the history, cost, and installation options of residential solar in Maine—from local people who have had solar panels installed on their homes. The discussion will take place in the French Conference Room, 16 Washington Street. (It can also be viewed using this zoom link.
 
In addition to solar arrays, the panelists between them have varied hands-on experiences with highly energy-efficient dwellings, residential heat pumps, and electric vehicles (EVs). Pete Kalajian, the panel organizer and moderator, will also discuss the pros and cons of rooftop solar panels vs. community-solar-farm membership. 
 
This is the fourth in the Camden Talks Climate series. Earlier sessions covered “tales of hope and activism” on the climate front from neighboring towns, the history and current status of municipal energy and sustainability efforts in Camden itself, and state-level and other resources available to Camden as it seeks to come to grips with the climate challenge. (You can find these videos at the CPL YouTube channel: “Camden, the Climate Crisis and You,” “Where Does Camden Stand On Climate Action?” and “Achieving Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities.” At the Town of Camden YouTube channel you can find “Where Do Camden’s Neighbors Stand on Climate Action?”)
 
Panelist Pete Kalajian is a former mariner and physics teacher who was a member of both of Camden's past Town Energy and Sustainability Committees. He was involved in coordinating Camden's Sagamore Farm solar installation. He now builds energy-efficient modern homes, and encourages his clients to install solar panels from the outset. 
 
Brian Lightbody is passionate about investing his energy in helping preserve the natural ecology through active involvement in conservation, citizen advocacy, and community education. He is a member of the Camden Conservation Commission, a board member on the Stewardship Education Alliance (SEA), and a volunteer with the Knox-Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District which provides assistance in the conservation of land and water resources. Working on behalf of KlSWCD, he has participated in several invasive plant surveys throughout Camden and the surrounding area.
 
David Babski lived the first two-thirds of his life without owning a car (there were at least 11 bicycles). Even now, the car spends many a full day in the driveway; in Camden, as driving is not a necessity on many days. David knows it’s a real treat to have a home here. This past spring David’s home got a roof-top solar array installed, and it’s working marvelously (there will be pictures). David, however, is not working, having recently retired from a career in various sorts of publishing IT.
 
CamdenCAN (Climate Action Now) is a citizen-led organization committed to reducing Camden’s contribution to climate change through local action, education, advocacy, and resources. We help our community take advantage of climate solutions with actionable steps. Together we CAN make a difference.