Dear Editor:

I read the article in Wiscasset Newspaper “Solar power idea at WMHS meets verbal headwinds.” I was part of a group that was asked to evaluate the proposal from Johnson Controls (JCI) to upgrade town power systems using solar and other technologies. Despite initial skepticism the group voted 6-0 to recommend. Now JCI is working with town management on a final proposal that will come to the voters.

The article mentioned concerns from people about costs, how long solar panels last, how they look, and if solar helps China. Our group raised other questions including whether this is a “climate change thing.”

Some points to consider:

1. Our heat, A/C and power systems in six town buildings must be replaced. They cost money to maintain and some are turned off because they don’t work. 
2. Our oil and electric costs increase every year. If they increase only 10% per year we will pay $85K more in 3 years. Actual costs have been growing over 20%.
3. JCI is a 140 year old American company and best in class. They have done projects for Maine municipalities.
4. The JCI proposal will include solar but also insulation, weatherization, control systems, heat pumps etc.
5. All these systems and JCI’s fees will be included in a lease so we do not have any up front cash expense. The annual lease payment is less than our current annual costs. JCI is offering a financial guarantee that we will spend over $100K less per year starting in year 1.
6. These savings happen without any federal credits or grants. We can apply for grants and if we get any that is a bonus.
7. New solar systems last 33 years. New oil systems last 25 years.

Bottom line: we switch from oil and CMP going up every year to a fixed annual cost that is less. Or we buy new oil burners and our taxes go up.

Regarding how solar panels look … what looks bad to me is my tax bill which has the highest mil rate in Lincoln County. 

Tom Joyce

Wiscasset