These days it sometimes seems as though solar energy is available to only those with money to spare. Recent news stories suggest that only the affluent can afford to make the hefty upfront investment needed to put solar panels on their homes.
Well, it’s time for a change. It’s time we consider giving power – sun power – to as many people as possible.
This week, PSE&G proposed to invest $773 million to bring the benefits of solar energy to towns across New Jersey. The plan would give traditionally underserved areas access to renewable energy – and the cleaner air and reduced energy bills that would come along with it.
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PSE&G’s proposed program is called Solar 4 All to reflect its number of segments. They include the installation of solar panels atop hundreds of schools, government buildings and affordable housing complexes. In addition, the utility would attach nearly 200,000 panels to utility poles, ensuring that solar energy is generated in every neighborhood it serves.
The plan calls for the installation of 120 megawatts of solar power over the next five years, eliminating more than 1.7 million tons of CO2 emissions – the equivalent of removing almost 310,000 cars from the road for one year. The program strongly supports New Jersey’s renewable energy and environmental goals, satisfying by the year 2020 nearly seven percent of the solar requirement in the state’s renewable portfolio standards requirements.
But what makes the proposal unique is that it is aimed at giving people universal access to clean, carbon-free energy. The theory is simple: Since everyone pays, everyone should have the ability to enjoy the benefits.
And the benefits are numerous. For example, having solar panels atop a city hall or the town library would lower a municipality’s energy bills. That savings should contribute to decreasing pressure on local government budgets, providing taxpayers some much-needed relief.
Solar installations would breathe new life into brownfields and other underdeveloped properties, and put people to work. PSE&G’s program is expected to create or save hundreds of jobs and encourage growth within the solar industry by providing financing and capital to build solar capacity. Good moves in these very difficult economic times.
The pinch of the pocketbook for all of this would be minimal. If approved, typical residential electric customers in PSE&G’s service area would see their bills increase only about $1.24 – or just 10 cents a month – to take advantage of the sun’s power and receive the benefits of this unique program.
It’s time for a change. It’s time to let the sunshine in.
What’s your view? Please let us know at Opinion@PSEG.com.
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