A bill up for vote this week means the PUC could ensure wise use of solar, despite CMP’s cockeyed arguments otherwise. by Tony Buxton, special to the Press Herald Press Herald op-ed If the Legislature passed a law making you pay your grocer for the vegetables you grow in your own garden, you would be Read More
solar
Novel Solar Tracker in South Paris will Fuel Electric Cars – and Hopes for Inspiring Students
Installing the moveable array of panels along a well-traveled road on the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School campus will teach students about renewable energy and generate a higher profile. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state’s first solar array that tracks the sun to charge electric vehicles will be installed Read More
Time for Lawmakers to Override Solar Veto
A modest change to the way power producers are paid is what an industry needs to expand. Portland Press Herald editorial board The Legislature is supposed to be long gone by the time the summer heat has Mainers turning on their air conditioners, creating the year’s peak demand for electricity. But it’s mid-July and lawmakers Read More
Commentary: Maine Lawmakers Siding with Passing Responsible Energy Policy
Supporting L.D. 1504 with an override vote can thwart efforts to move solar policy backward. By Vaughan Woodruff, owner of Insource Renewables in Pittsfield Press Herald op-ed PITTSFIELD — In the past six years, we’ve heard some absurd energy policy positions and hypocrisy from Gov. LePage. These have ranged from puzzling public comments about the Read More
Gov. LePage Vetoes Solar ‘Net Metering’ Bill, Again
A representative for the solar installation industry accuses the governor of lying in his veto letter to change House Republicans’ votes. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — As expected, Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a solar energy bill strongly supported by environmental groups and solar installation companies. The bill, Read More
Sun Powers 20 Bowling Lanes, Video Games in Portland
By Kathleen Pierce, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — The first thing that catches your eye from the roof of Portland’s largest bowling alley is the taco-spewing Airstream trailer. This bit of retro chic is compelling, but even more significant is the vast solar array blanketing the hottest place to hang Read More
More Than Two-thirds of Maine House and Senate Approve Solar Bill; Next Significant Vote Expected to be Veto Override (LD 1504, as amended)
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate and Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today, the Maine House (105-40) and Senate (29-6) voted overwhelmingly in favor of a compromise solar bill to help build a prosperous future for Maine people through encouraging clean, locally produced solar power and the good jobs it delivers. The measure Read More
Construction of Solar Project on South Portland’s Capped Landfill to Start in July
The array off Highland Avenue is expected to generate about 12 percent of the electricity used by the city’s school and municipal buildings. by Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — Construction of a solar array on the city’s capped landfill is expected to start in July after the City Read More
Solar Bill Would Let Maine Grow Clean Energy Jobs
The bill that just passed both chambers in a preliminary vote must have ongoing support. Portland Press Herald editorial There’s an energy boom underway in this country, and it’s not in the oil fields. Advances in solar power technology have brought down prices, putting photovoltaic panels in financial reach of millions of homeowners as well Read More