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New Program Hopes To Expand Solar Power

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The sun may shine on all of us, but not all of us can use it to power our homes.

Alex DeMetrick reports a new program by the Obama administration is hoping to spread that energy saving.

In a time when the Welcome to Vegas sign is powered by solar panels and solar farms power 100,000 homes and even an aircraft is flying from the sun's energy, the last place solar panels are going in is mid- to low-income homes. But a few blocks from Hopkins in east Baltimore, that's changing. It's the first home in an Obama administration project to spread the technology and the savings it can bring.

"Today we're announcing more than 260 solar energy projects will be created to help low and moderate income communities save money on their energy bills," said presidential advisor Brian Deese.

"For so many of us, there's more month than money, so when you have an opportunity to save up to $400, that matters," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The program will also train new labor to do the installing, a skill most never considered. But, once trained...

"Now I do solar and it's awesome. I have a great career. I get to meet great people, help people save money," said solar installer Antwain Nelson.

Word of the solar program is already spreading in the neighborhood.

"With that extra money I'll be saving, it'll be beneficial. I'll be able to buy food, gas, things of that nature. I'm just waiting for them to finish up here and come down into my house," said homeowner Faye Taylor.

The new program hopes to triple the number of low- to mid-income solar properties within five years.

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