Another view…

Editor: In reading Larry Biagi’s view of solar in the December
17 edition I thought I’d give our community another view.
I wanted solar for years but never had a house with enough sun
so was delighted when I moved to Healdsburg. I had three different
companies give me bids and they were pretty similar. Based on my
electric usage I could have gotten all I needed with 12 panels but
I felt that I had to plan ahead for myself and my community. The
difference in cost between 12 and the 15 panels I went with was
minimal.
I’m very conscientious so I average seven hours of electric use
a day over the year. I’ve not had an electric bill since February
and in a couple of weeks I’ll be turning over my excess electric to
the city. If I’m reading my meter correctly that will be over a
thousand hours of electric.
I don’t have a problem with this. Between the city and federal
rebates and credits the solar cost me half of what was bid so my
$20,000 unit was a bit over $10,000.
The company I went with took care of all permits and the
paperwork for the rebate so I didn’t have to deal with the city at
all, though I spoke to them prior to installation and they were
great. If I was charged for a more expensive meter it was paid for
by the sun and even on these overcast days I’m making enough of my
own electricity to feel that I’m doing my part. The solar company
installed a unit on my solar meter that hooks to my computer so I
know how much electric I make a day and I have no complaints with
any discrepancies with the city on meter readings.
If Healdsburg follows PG&E’s lead to rebate some money at
the end of the year I’ll be thrilled, but if they don’t, I’m still
thrilled. I was shocked to learn that most people will not put in
more panels than they need because they don’t want to turn anything
extra over to their utility company. It’s that kind of selfish
thinking that got us into the financial mess we’re pulling
ourselves out of at this time.
When we’re out of water and the sun’s not shining due to
pollution maybe that selfishness won’t look so good.
Marie Salerno
Healdsburg