Here comes the sun! Let it shine. Let it shine.
By Paula Georges
The Portland High School environmental club, now called SolaRise, is asking for practical solutions to the climate crisis. They want city leaders to expand the use of green energy by putting solar panels on Portland’s city buildings and public schools. By doing so the city can significantly reduce local fossil fuel emissions.
This group of committed high school students is hosting an Evening for Sustainability on September 15th, 6:00 p.m., at the Portland Media Center, 516 Congress Street. They are highlighting a current opportunity to invest in solar at no cost to taxpayers.
Why is this important right now?
Maine is currently not making sufficient progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With recent cuts to incentives and resources from the federal government, our state can no longer depend on federal support to address climate change. This situation underscores the need for Maine’s cities and towns to implement their own local climate mitigation policies.
Taking decisive local action offers the city and its schools a chance to achieve two important wins. First, by lowering emissions from buildings—the largest source of greenhouse gases in Portland—we will make a direct impact on our climate goals. Second, we can reinvest the cost savings from reduced electricity bills into additional solarization projects, multiplying the benefits for our community.
Schools in Maine that are leading the way
Many schools in Maine are transitioning to solar, including several Brunswick Schools, Mount Ararat High School in Topsham, and Mount Desert Island High School.
Westbrook is currently under an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Siemens and ReVision Energy. The goal is to achieve energy savings by addressing deferred maintenance issues and by modernizing their schools. They are installing solar on four school rooftops to help pay for the work. The projected energy savings over the coming 20 years are calculated to be more than $10,000.000. Yes, $10 million!
The savings they realize will not only pay for putting solar on the school roofs, but also for replacing the schools’ HVAC systems. Plus pay for improving insulation, air sealing, replacing doors and windows, and whatever else is feasible. With zero dollars out of pocket up front (you read that correctly), the accumulated energy savings will pay for the building upgrades and solar. This means the project will pay for itself.
The Portland Community Action Team (PCAT) is encouraging readers to find out more. Consider attending SolaRise’s Evening of Sustainability on September 15th.
Bright Ideas is brought to you by PCAT. Join us on the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome! For more info email portlandclimate@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/PortlandClimateActionTeam.
