The Camden Energy and Sustainability Committee will host a presentation on “Two Energy Options: Solar and Efficiency” at the Camden Public Library on Tuesday, May 31, at 7:00 pm. The Committee has invited representatives from Sundog Solar, Evergreen Home Performance, and ReVision Energy to present on technical and economic factors involved in improving building efficiency and generating solar power. Sundog Solar will also introduce a national program referred to as Solarize; Sundog Solar was chosen by the Midcoast Economic Development District to administer the Solarize Midcoast Maine initiative.

The talk is timely, considering the recent veto of solar legislation by the governor. The veto means that Maine’s solar options remain unchanged only in the near term. The panel will cover two broad paths that individuals, businesses, and nonprofits can take toward sustainability: solar power, and increased building efficiency.

The factors that affect Maine residents’ decisions about solar options and insulation are not only dollars-and-cents price comparisons, but also rebates, federal tax incentives, and environmental concerns. The panel on May 31 will clarify the status of the various incentive programs. Chuck Piper of Sundog Solar is particularly concerned that Maine residents understand that “net metering” is still in effect until the PUC makes a ruling about the future of the program. Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. Should a change in net metering policy take place in the future, the solar community has been assured—by legislators, by Patrick Woodcock, the governor’s energy advisor, and by Tim Schneider, the Public Advocate—that existing net-metering customers would be grandfathered in.

Kathleen Meil of Evergreen Home Performance suggests that reducing energy demands through increased building efficiency should be everyone’s first option, and points out that Efficiency Maine incentives and financing support home energy-saving solutions like insulation, air sealing, and heating equipment. “Our state energy policy has some very strong elements and some very real gaps, which contributes to the ‘what now?’ questions we’re all fielding.”

John Luft, a branch manager for ReVision Energy, adds that “there’s every reason to believe Maine’s energy picture is bright ahead, and together we can change our state’s economic and environmental future.” The panel discussion on May 31 will help audience members decide where to turn next in seeking plans, information, rebates, and tax incentives.