La Galerie Rouge and Solar Panels

La Galerie Rouge, a framing shop and art gallery at 8240 Seneca Turnpike in Clinton NY, opened its doors for a tour on July 11, with the focus of the tour being its newly installed solar panels, which supply the business with 100% of its electric. There are 22 solar panels, which, according to the owners, Rick and Joanne Bianco, cost $28,000.

The solar panels were installed by Central New York Solar, which is owned by Justin Williams, who was there for the tour. State and Federal tax credits are available (up to 30% for Federal and 25% for State). But check out their website for more info:CNY Solar..

Also there for the tour was Green Local 175, which promotes green events and businesses within a 175 mile radius of Utica. To get involved contact Richard Morris at 724-6364. Or check out their website: Green Local.

Below are some photos of the building, the solar panels and some scenes inside the place:

Solar panels and a "no hydrofrack" sign go together well. Concern for the environment, the air and the water. Good things.

The tour was very interesting. According to the owners of La Galerie Rouge, Rick and Joanne Bianco, the solar panels will pay for themselves within 6 years. In the summer they produce more electricity than they need and store it for the winter months, when, as every upstate New Yorker knows, the weather isn't all that sunny.

For more information about the gallery itself, check this out: The Red Art Gallery.

And don't miss the upcoming tour of the Straw Bale Energy Efficient House, located at 2972 Austin Road, Clinton, NY, given by the house's owner and designer, Mary Ellen Blakey. It only costs $500 a year to heat, which is pretty amazing for upstate NY.