ELKHART, Ind. -- Elkhart residents, businesses and homeowners are invited to participate in an educational workshop focused on the  benefits of switching to solar energy.

The Elkhart Environmental Center is inviting community members to attend the workshop on July 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Greater Elkhart Chamber Commerce Conference Room located at 418 S. Main Street in Elkhart.

Non-profit Solarize Indiana is a volunteer-led initiative whose goal is to educate the public on solar energy and streamline the process for Michiana residents.

The Solarize Elkhart educational workshop will feature guest speakers from the City of Elkhart, Michiana Area Council of Governments and other solar homeowners.

The initiative aims to increase renewable energy in cities across Michiana including Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth and South Bend.

Organizers say the program, modeled on the Solarize Indiana Initiative, has helped multiple businesses and homeowners realize that switching to solar-powered energy is both affordable and easy.

Registration for the event can be found here.