To the editor: The Peterborough Energy Committee (an ad hoc town committee) has proposed to the School Board a plan for installing some solar panels on the roof of ConVal High School. The plan would be funded by Solar Impact Investors organized by ReVision Energy, and the panels would be installed at no cost to the school district. They would reduce the cost of electricity for the school over many years. This is a win-win situation for ConVal District taxpayers. It would be an even bigger win for ConVal students, perhaps another win-win. The first win would come from the fact that, if School Board members decide to go ahead with the solar project, they will be modeling for the students responsible behavior to mitigate climate change and showing their concern for the future of a generation that will suffer from the climate crisis if action is not taken now. The second win would be for the education of the students, who will be able to observe the installation of the solar panels and follow a curriculum designed to help them understand solar panels and analyze data from them. One of the fastest-growing occupations in the US is solar technician. Please urge ConVal School Board members to vote to sign a letter of intent to begin the solar project. The project must be started soon because the solar impact investors need a 2019 start date to take advantage of the maximum federal solar tax credit. Who could object to lower-cost electricity plus career-relevant educational opportunities, at no cost and no risk (risks would be assumed by the investors)?
Anne Huberman
Peterborough