In 1963, I won first place in the eighth-grade science fair for my solar energy project. I was amazed by what I could do with the free power of sunlight, energy that was all around us every day.

There was no economical way to convert sunlight to electricity then, and solar (photovoltaic) cells were used only in satellites or in experiments. But there was the dream of a future when photovoltaic cells would be so available that the sun would power our lives.

The future is here. We now can use a free energy source that doesn’t destroy mountains and human lives like coal does, requires no drilling or pipelines like oil and gas, no chainsaws, skidders or deforestation and, most of all, produces no greenhouse gas.

Solar is “energy from heaven” – the sky – as opposed to “energy from hell” – the power we get from within the earth, leaving environmental degradation in its wake.

Maine has more solar assets than the rest of New England combined. Last year, the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s study on the value of solar examined the savings of solar through the lens of avoided power lines, fewer new power plants, price stabilization and even the health and environmental advantages of avoiding pollution. The PUC’s estimated value of 33 cents per kilowatt-hour is many times what we presently pay for dirty generation of electricity.

As a frugal Yankee, I don’t want to pay overseas conglomerates to burn oil and gas for my electricity when I can make it freely and cleanly on my garage roof.

Just like a powerful new business or local agriculture, Maine-made energy can grow our economy and create jobs. I hope my fellow legislators realize that a vote for solar is a vote for the future of our state.

Deane Rykerson

Democratic state representative; member, Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee

Kittery

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