Interested in learning how to make solar energy at your home more affordable? A workshop will run from 6-7:30 p.m. tonight at the Beacon Hill Library (2821 Beacon Ave S.) to provide information about the Solarize Seattle program, which features a group-buy program to provide a streamlined process for residents and small businesses to purchase solar systems for a discounted price.

Workshop attendees will learn how solar works in oft-cloudy Seattle, how it is installed, what tax and production incentives are available to bring the price down, and how low-interest financing can spread out the cost. On June 30, Governor Inslee signed an extension through 2016 of the sales tax exemption on solar systems smaller than 10kW (which a typical residential system would be). The Solarize campaign intends to install over 200 kilowatts of solar energy in central and southeast Seattle by the end of 2013.

Registration for Solarize Seattle: Central/Southeast is open to neighbors who live in the geographic area bordered by the Montlake cut to the north, I-5 to the west, Lake Washington to the east, and the City of Seattle boundary to the south. See the website for more information.