Today’s Forecast

42º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:30 a.m. | Sunset: 5:30 p.m.

☀️ Solar power play

Considerations for adding solar panels to your home

Several factors determine the number of panels your roof can fit. | Photo courtesy of City of Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is getting inspired by Lorde’s 2021 album.

The City of Winston-Salem is asking residents to consider the benefits of solar energy — including lower bills and reduced consumption of fossil fuels. The city has opted to install panels — technically known as photovoltaic (PV) systems — on some government buildings to meet its 100% renewable energy goal by 2050.

Ask these questions first

How do you know if solar panels are the right choice for your home? Consider these property requirements by asking yourself the following questions:

Which direction does my house face? PV systems work best on southern-exposed roofs. Some east or west exposures might be acceptable.
What is my roof pitch? PV systems work best on roofs with a 15-to-45-degree roof pitch, depending on site orientation.
How much sun and shade does my house get? PV systems need sunlight between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. year-round. Shading doesn’t just include trees — satellite dishes, dormers, chimneys, TV antennas, and gables can also impact how much sun reaches the roof panels.
How large is my roof? The amount of space needed for panels varies on the type of system and how much solar energy you want to use.

Next steps for solar installation

If you’re ready to move forward with installation, you’ll need to find a licensed contractor. The city recommends getting two to three estimates to compare pricing, output, warranties, and other specifics.

You’ll need a permit to install solar panels on your home — the city’s Inspections Division is the place to start for obtaining one. Once installed, the solar panel system must be inspected and approved by a licensed electrical inspector and utility before it can operate.

Alternative energy-saving tips for locals

Looking for other ways to save energy but not prepared to put up solar panels? Piedmont Environmental Alliance recommends unplugging small appliances when not in use, using natural light during the day, and switching to LED bulbs.

Events

Tuesday, Jan. 16

The Big Homie Comedy Open Mic | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 8-11 p.m. | Campus Gas, 1231 Polo Rd., Winston-Salem | Free | Hear local comics and sign up to perform your own stand-up routine at this hilarious open mic night.
New Year NEO You Open House | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 4-7 p.m. | Boutique Wellness, 848 W. 5th St., Ste. 201, Winston-Salem | Free, RSVP | Enjoy music, food, wine, raffles, and service demos to boost your confidence in 2024.
Group Paint & Sip at Pine Tree Tavern | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Pine Tree Tavern, 3880 Bethania Station Rd., Winston-Salem | $30-$35 | Paint a pre-traced canvas as an artist demonstrates while enjoying music and drinks — for people 21+.

Wednesday, Jan. 17

New Year, New Sides | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Southern Home & Kitchen, 200 S. Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem | $71 | Learn to make vegetarian sides that stand out with instructor Jennifer Prue.

Thursday, Jan. 18

Third Thursdays at Sparq | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 4-6 p.m. | Sparq, 486 N. Patterson Ave., 2nd Floor, Winston-Salem | Free | Connect with other small businesses and enjoy food and drinks.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Wellness

Hair growth — for every life stage and lifestyle

Nutrafol’s five unique formulas are physician-formulated. | Photo by Nutrafol

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News Notes

Eat

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but why wait for the perfect date night? East of Texas is offering dinner for two on Tuesday evenings this winter. Bring a plus one to the restaurant on South Broad Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to enjoy a full course meal for $39.

Listen

Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Renée Elise Goldsberry will join the Piedmont Wind Symphony on Saturday, Jan. 27. The band will perform Broadway favorites at Wait Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40.

Theater

The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem will announce performances for its 90th season during a celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. The theater group will have entertainment + prizes at Hanesbrands Theatre.

Talk

Long-distance runner + 2024 Olympic hopeful Keira D’Amato will speak at Twin City Track Club’s Winter Seminar on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Brookstown Inn. Grab tickets for $25 before prices increase Feb. 1.

Finance

Meet Money Pickle: your gateway to smart financial planning. How it works: 1. Get matched with an experienced, top-notch financial advisor for your specific needs. 2. Connect with them through an easy, free video call. 3. Transform your investments, retirement, wealth management + more with their trusted advice. Get matched.*

Film

🎂 14 candles

Find films and community connection at a/perture cinema

metal film roll outside business storefront.

The theater is open seven days a week. | Photo by WStoday

A/perture cinema is celebrating 14 years this month. The theater at 311 W. 4th St. is named for the aperture on a camera lens, which adds dimension or brings an object into focus. Staff members hope the films that are shown do the same thing for audiences. (The forward slash conveys an f-stop.)

A/perture is also a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the community. Patrons can purchase slash pass memberships to receive discounts on tickets, concessions, and extra perks — you can also make a donation.

The theater screens ~250 films annually. Here are some other statistics that make it special:

More than 35% of total movies screened at a/perture have been directed by women.
Minority filmmakers have produced more than 30% of films screened.
The theater can seat 231 audience members.
There are four full-size screens and a “petit/a” studio.

Want to go? Tickets can be purchased online.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambridge

From the editor

“Mean Girls” is my first must-see movie of the year. The staff at a/perture cinema is going all out with souvenir cups + specials to celebrate the new release.

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