Thinking about going solar? Residents throughout Cook, DuPage, Kane and Will counties have an opportunity to participate in Solarize Chicagoland, a grassroots program combining volume purchasing with community education to make solar more accessible and affordable. Home and commercial property owners may participate .

Community members can learn more about the program at a free, educational Solar Power Hour on Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room (4th floor). A second Solar Power Hour in Evanston will be held on Thursday, August 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the same location.