Solar Tompkins / HeatSmart Tompkins

Solar Tompkins is a nonprofit community-based organization promoting a pathway to net-zero-carbon homes in Tompkins County, NY. This includes facilitating the adoption of solar and other renewable energy sources, reducing the energy needs of homes while enhancing comfort, and providing affordable, non-fossil-fuel alternatives for home heating, which accounts for 3/4 of the home energy footprint in our cold-winter climate. The Solar Tompkins Board includes volunteer representatives from all 10 towns in Tompkins County, a representative from the Tompkins County Planning Department, and several 'at-large' members chosen for their expertise and knowledge. They are now focused on the HeatSmart Tompkins project as a transition away from solar provision and more toward energy efficiency through the installation of geothermal heat pumps.