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Philadelphia Celebrates Major Milestone In Solar Energy

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Officials say they are thrilled with the successful start to Philadelphia's new solar energy campaign.

Solarize Philly is part of City Council's $1 billion energy campaign aimed at helping all Philadelphians go solar at home.

"We are just delighted that 186 signed up to install solar," said Chris Lewis the chair of the Philadelphia Energy Authority.

He says the process to go solar is easy and has a multiple benefits.

"Solar panels are installed on the roof top and that of course provides clean efficient energy for the home owner," he said.

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Lewis says the panels pay for themselves in about 10 years, and can last up to 25 years.

"They've reduced their energy bills, and we've reduced the emission of green house gasses," he said.

Lewis says after a successful start, Solarize Philly is ready to move into phase two.

"We will use some of the funds generated by the program to subsidize solar for low and moderate house holds," he said.

An added bonus is that this program is expected to create about 10,000 jobs over the next 10 years.

 

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