UFT members who live in New York State and are interested in cutting their electric bills while also helping the environment can participate in a UFT Member Benefits-endorsed solar program.

American Solar Partners offers a free solar assessment to show homeowners how they can potentially save thousands of dollars on electricity through owning a solar system. By installing solar panels on their roof and producing their own electricity, members could increase the value of their home by $30,000 or more.

The solar modules are all American-made and installed by union contractors at a discount for UFT members.

Some members of New York State United Teachers, the UFT’s state affiliate, have already signed up through the program and are touting its benefits.

“We’re expecting at least 90 percent of our electricity bill to be offset by the power coming from our roof,” said one NYSUT member from Long Island. “We are going to have something like 100 bucks in our pockets every month to be used for something else.”

The Long Island resident said that federal and state incentives paid for 67 percent of his 28-panel system.

Another NYSUT member, who lives in Walden, New York, reports that her system covers 99 percent of her electricity usage and is saving her $3,000 per year on her electric bill.

Besides NYSUT, American Solar Partners has worked with members from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Civil Service Employees Association.

UFT members who are interested in receiving a free, no-obligation assessment should call 1-914-699-3366 or email info@americansolarpartners.com.

For more information on your benefits as a UFT member, go to the company’s website at http://americansolarpartners.com/uft.