Don’t dismiss the power of solar energy. It could be the wave of the future, as envisioned by the Marion Energy Management Committee and the people who packed the Music Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5. That night the committee hosted its first “Explore Home Solar” forum.

More than 100 people showed up on a night when streets were covered in snow from a morning storm, said committee member Bill Saltonstall. Those who attended traveled from Fall River to Cape Cod for the event.

The night started with a presentation from State Sen. Marc Pacheco.

Massachusetts is leading the way when it comes to solar said Sen. Pacheco, who chairs the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. He is also chairman of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

“With targeted industry support by the Massachusetts Clean Energy, Massachusetts is better positioned than any state in the country to continue to capitalize on the good jobs, long-term economic growth and cleaner environment that come from growing a vibrant clean energy sector,” he said.

Pacheco said South Coast communities led the state last year in clean energy job growth. From 2012 to 2013, about 17,205 jobs were added in the region. The change marks a 14.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.

The trend is catching on in the tri-town. Saltonstall said his committee researched Marion and Rochester building records and found that more than 40 solar projects were installed in those towns the past couple of years.

“It’s been growing in leaps and bounds,” Saltonstall said. “I bet we are going to see more permits for those kinds of projects.”

The energy committee decided to sponsor the one-stop shop after Marion residents approved a bylaw that governs solar installations last year.

The expo featured a number of vendors chosen to provide a range of solar energy solutions.

With representatives from SouthCoast Energy Challenge, Next Step Living, My Generation Energy, New England Solar Hot Water, Sungevity and BayCoast Bank on hand there was a lot of information available.

One popular stop was the “solar genius bar.” The "geniuses" were a handful of residents who installed solar panels. They fielded questions from those curious about the process.

Saltonstall said the committee is being proactive about spreading the word about solar energy. He said the vendors were carefully chosen to give a clear idea of how to get started.

Karen Stewart of SouthCoast Energy Challenge showed what her group is doing to promote sustainability. The group’s goal is to lower South Coast energy use by 15 percent in the next three to five years.

Boston-based Next Step Living offers assessments on how to make homes energy efficient. Weatherization, modern heating and cooling systems, as well as solar panel installations are considered during a company audit. Saltonstall said an audit is often the first step homeowners must take when considering solar panels. The assessment may help secure state or federal tax credits and rebates.

Luke Hinkle of My Generation Energy was on hand to promote his company. My Generation will assess a home for solar suitability, apply for the proper building permits and then install the system. While expensive, the initial costs can be offset with tax breaks. After a few years the savings pay for the investment, Saltonstall said.

In contrast, Sungevity offers a low cost solar option. Partnered with Lowe’s, the company leases solar panels at no cost. Sungevity installs and maintains solar panels on a home, but will charge a monthly fee that is comparable to electrical company rates.

The difference is Sungevity customers will be locked into that rate for 20 years with no increase. With energy costs rising each year it’s a good deal Saltonstall said, “So in the long run the homeowner can expect to buy his or her electric power at a substantial cost savings.”