Henry Lappen, chair of the Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee, makes the case for the benefits of trees and the adoption of community solar, as an alternative to roof top solar, where trees need to be cut down to accommodate the panels.
Trees produce a great many positive benefits that would be costly or impossible to replicate. For example, unlike trees, rooftop solar panels do not cool our streets, soften traffic noise, or clean our air and water. Lappen extolls ownership-based community solar projects as a solution to this dilemma.
It’s a hopeful solution, but turbulent state laws make payback periods difficult to estimate. Luckily, it’s not the only way to enjoy the benefits of solar without panels on your roof or cutting down shade trees.
Virtual net metering is a great way to immediately enjoy the cost-saving benefits of solar. These credits can be purchased from local solar generators at healthy discounts without the worry of hefty upfront costs. Buying net metering credits encourages the further development of solar arrays in Massachusetts.
Because there are no upfront costs, they’re more accessible. The Hampshire Council of Governments’ community solar project, Hampshire Solar, lets residents do just that. All panels are located in-state, so users enjoy the benefits of local, clean energy investment.
The credits allow you to save up to 15 percent off your electricity bills, keep energy dollars in the local economy, support local solar and balance the benefits of trees with the benefits of sustainable energy.
Homeowners, businesses, governments and nonprofits can use them to save and encourage clean energy growth in Massachusetts.
Hampshire Solar is an invaluable, immediate, and financially accessible tool for everyone to contribute to balanced environmental stewardship. Anyone interested should check out Hampshiresolar.org to learn more.
Todd Ford
Florence
The writer is executive director of the Hampshire Council of Governments.