Another Reason to Go Solar 

 

Going solar in 2016 makes sense as it typically costs 10 percent to 14 percent less than utility power and pays for itself in seven to 10 years. Moreover, the systems are guaranteed to generate power for 25 years. In many cases, good financing can even result in energy savings higher than loan payments, meaning you start saving money from day one.

However, the Vermont Public Service Board has just adopted new rules, adjusting the state’s solar “adder” — a financial credit for every kilowatt-hour your system generates — that will reduce solar savings between 1.6 percent and 53.8 percent, depending on where your system is located and whether or not you retain the renewable energy credits, beginning in 2017.

A full description of the new ruling and how it affects rates can be found in the “Order” and “Attachment” links at psb.vermont.gov/statutesrulesandguidelines/proposedrules/rule5100.

But the solar adder for anyone installing solar or joining a community array by the end of 2016 will be grandfathered in for 10 years at the more favorable rates in effect when the system was installed. That is, if you go solar this year, you will continue to get the higher-value solar credit available under today’s rules, even after the new rules go into effect in 2017.

For those whose homes are not well situated for solar or who don’t want the solar panels on or near your home, you can also get the benefits of going solar by joining a community solar array. Most of the solar contractors operating in Vermont still have time to either install a system on your home or get you into one of their community solar arrays before the end of the year. But you need to act soon, as they are getting very busy as the deadline approaches. You can find a list of contractors installing solar power in Vermont at REVermont.org.

So, if you have been considering putting solar on your house or joining a community solar array, do it this year so you can save money and begin relying on local, clean, renewable power.

Bob Walker

Chair, Thetford Energy Committee

Thetford Center

Sales at Gun Shows  

 

On Saturday your paper ran an article on page 2 (“N.H. to Report Mentally Ill to Gun Roster”) that contains a statement that is untrue: “Background checks are not required for sales at gun shows.”

All sales by federally licensed dealers — whether at gun shows, at a shop or over your kitchen table — must include the mandated background check. Failure to do so is a federal felony.

You fill out a specific form, and the data are sent in. You cannot take possession until the data clear a background check. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents can inspect a dealer’s records to ensure compliance with this law.

As for so-called “assault weapons” — for over 30 years now, a Congress filled with failed lawyers has been unable to come up with a coherent and comprehensive definition of what an “assault weapon” is. They have attempted to ban weapons by name or by certain accoutrements a gun may have, such as bayonet lugs. (When was the last time someone was murdered with a mounted bayonet?) Such is the firearms intelligence level of our esteemed representatives.

  

Patrick O’Connor

Weathersfield

A Candidate Like No Other

Donald Trump, a candidate for president of our United States, is a man full of “sound and fury” signifying nothing but hate, bigotry and racism.

I have followed many presidential campaigns through my 90 years of life, and have never before seen a more shallow, unqualified man aspiring to be the leader of our great country.

He offers no reasonable solutions to any of the problems of the economy, health care, trade, national debt or the excessive debt facing our young people striving for needed education.

How can any intelligent person cast a vote for such a dangerous, power-hungry man?

Virginia M. Wood

Hanover

No Further Proof Needed

 

Hillary Clinton carelessly mishandled classified communications while secretary of state and blatantly lied to us about it. Whether prosecuted or not, what further proof do we need of her lack of judgment, character and honesty? She is not fit to be president.

Jeff Lehmann

Lyme Center