By Florence Seidell and Cynthia Whitty

The Ashland Farmers Market (AFM) will host Green Energy Day on Saturday, Aug. 14. Special vendors showcasing the MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge will engage Ashland residents on bringing about Net Zero carbon emissions while saving money and improving their homes.

The MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge program offers no-cost clean energy audits as well as discounts on solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and ground-source heat pumps to homeowners and small business owners. The program is the result of collaborations of municipal staff and local volunteers among four towns: Ashland, Framingham, Holliston and Natick. The program will run from June through December 2021. To sign up for a no-cost clean energy assessment of your home or business and for more information, visit MetroWestCleanEnergy.com

As part of this special day, the three competitively selected installers—Ace Solar, New England Ductless, and Achieve Renewable Energy—will be available to explain their products and installation processes. A Mass Save contractor, NEEECO (New England Energy Efficiency Company), will be available to discuss their program and incentives to make your residence more energy efficient prior to the consideration and installation of solar and heat pumps.

Members of the Ashland Sustainability Committee will be present to discuss other energy efficiency plans for the residents of Ashland to reach Net Zero by 2040, including composting, electrifying new and existing buildings, and expanding the use of electric vehicles. Some electric vehicle owners will be at the market with their cars to discuss their experience.

AFM is open every Saturday through Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 125 Front St., on the grass across from the Ashland Public Library. For more information and to sign up for weekly email, visit www.AshlandFarmersMarket.org.