Women Charged Up for Solar Power Empowerment

Minnesota women are getting an opportunity to learn about being more eco-friendly and saving thousands of dollars.

A class "Understanding Solar and Electricity Usage in Your Home, for Women" is being held Sunday March 28th. This class has been taught by Solar Energy International in Colorado for years.

Women will be encouraged to bring their electicity bills because they will be taught how to analyze them and figure out energy and efficiency efforts they can save money.

Laura Cina with Minnesota Renewable Energy Society says most homes use about 600 kilowatt hours a month, her house uses only 250. She bought a new fridge, uses compact florescent lightbulbs and uses power strips so she can shut off all energy use.

Energy experts say teaching only ladies in the class is empowering because women won't shy away from questions and getting their hands on the equipment when there are no men in the class.

"That's a mental block that women have with all the trades, plumbing, mechanics, electrics and things like that and there's a lot of opportunity for women to not only install solar panels, but in marketing and sales," said Cina.

Women will also be taught how to use a solar system to save thousands of dollars on electricity bills.

Go to mnrenewables.org for information on the upcoming class and another class in June.