Dear Editor:

I suppose those who killed the solar bill (LD 1649) were like the king with no clothes. They believe they are wearing a custom suit that gives them better knowledge. Unfortunately, they seem unable to see the facts about new technologies that protect planet Earth, improve energy access and provide new jobs in an industry that is moving away from oil and gas.

Today the world's biggest exporter of crude oil made the statement, “I think that if oil stopped in 2020, we can live.” In fact, Saudi Prince Mohammed predicted that oil would be pushed out of the Saudi economy in 20 to 30 years. He is moving to other solutions as climate change issues are adding more pressure for better energy solutions.

Now add Germany, a weather kin of Maine, who in 2014 had more than 50 percent of their electricity supplied by solar. It has reduced their energy expenses and cut back on spewing carbon into our atmosphere. Recently, with continued public support and political will, Germany satisfied 78 percent of its electrical demand with renewable sources, solar and wind. Maine speaks in megawatts and Germany speaks in gigawatts (78 percent = 40.65 GW). The majority of Mainers favor solar. Hopefully political interest will grow and facts are better understood.

We recognize when five solar myths are used to hide the following five solar truths -- Solar works in Maine; Solar is expensive in the short term, but saves money in the long term; Solar can benefit everyone; All energy technologies receive subsidies from the federal government in one form or another; and solar electricity can help offset transportation and heating fuel use through heat pumps and electric vehicles, and solar thermal energy can reduce fuel use in water and space heating. Maybe these facts and the speed of climate destruction in Greenland will help everyone re-visit the advantages and need for solar in Maine.

Maine leaders who voted “no” to the solar veto override voted politically blind, but are able to open their eyes and understand economic truths. Reducing the cost of energy production helps everyone, especially the economy. If Saudi Arabia can move from an economy that is 90 percent reliant on oil, to one that diversifies its energy sector towards less expensive renewable sources, then so can we.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb