Vote yes on Charlotte solar panel question

To the Editor:

Between now and Nov. 7 Charlotters will be voting on two articles concerning town policies. I am writing in support of Article 1, to approve the financing of solar panels on the town garage. Because of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year, municipalities are now eligible for the same renewable energy rebate that individual homeowners receive. This makes the adoption of photovoltaic solar panels to supply Charlotte’s electrical energy needs extremely cost effective.

The solar panels will provide 94 percent of the electricity used by town buildings, including the town hall, library, senior center, town garage and fire station. The $282,510 cost will be offset by a 30 percent federal rebate reducing the cost to $197,757.

Because of an extremely favorable 2 percent annual interest rate from the Vermont Bond Bank, this investment will be paid off in 10 years with annual payments about what Charlotte is currently paying for its electricity. For a minimal increase in annual spending over 10 years, Charlotte will reap huge reductions in spending for decades beyond.

Almost everyone will agree that climate change is an existential threat to our way of life. The town garage has been designed to be fossil fuel-free and energy efficient using geothermal energy for heating. The solar project will further reduce Charlotte’s contribution to fossil fuel-driven CO2 emissions that drive climate change. It is a win-win proposition that will not only be good for the environment but will save Charlotte taxpayers money as well.

Vote yes on Article 1.

Mike Yantachka

Charlotte