I am writing to thank state Rep. Russell Black for his support of solar energy in the Legislature this year. Solar power offers homeowners and businesses an affordable way to generate their own clean power. Solar energy is booming across the country, with the prices of solar panels having fallen 50 percent in the last five years, yet Maine has fallen behind.
In addition to producing clean energy from the sun, solar power is creating good paying jobs and putting people to work right here in Maine.
There were a few important bills considered in Augusta this year that would have moved Maine forward on solar. The first bill, LD 1263, created a study commission to figure out how we can best to expand access to solar for more Mainers and develop policy proposals for the Legislature to consider next year. The bill survived the governor’s veto and has become law. Another bill, LD 1073, would have helped more Maine farms go solar by establishing a solar rebate program specifically for Maine agricultural businesses. This bill will be reconsidered next year.
I want to thank and praise my state Rep. Russell Black for voting in support of both bills in Augusta.
Despite Rep. Black’s support for solar, Maine didn’t move forward enough this year, and unfortunately we are missing out on this solar boom. I encourage Rep. Black to continue supporting solar here in Maine.
Debbie Cayer
Chesterville
Solar has still fallen short when it comes to savings. The price of panels and equipment and renewal rate is more expensive than CMP. It doesn’t pay to do solar until the prices drop or technology increases.
Solar Hot Water is highly effective and can be cost competitive with oil, or electricity. with or without rebates.
The cost of photovoltaic is coming down rapidly, and will continue to drop. Installations off the grid, in remote areas, are very competitive with CMP. Installations that take advantage of tax credits can be competitive too.
And of course passive solar is the sure fire winner when the house is tight enough, and well insullated.