RE “WIND, solar subsidy set for review: Program’s growth spurs fairness issue” (Metro, July 23): David Abel’s article provides a good look at one of the most successful renewable energy programs in the state, and he underscores the fact that renewable energy, particularly solar, is taking off in the Commonwealth.
The Legislature’s and Governor Patrick’s commitment to innovative programs such as net metering are making solar more accessible for everyone. Examples abound, from Holyoke, home to the largest solar array in New England, to organizations such as the Boston Food Bank and the Artists for Humanity Epicenter. Homeowners, nonprofits, and municipal governments are the drivers behind a 30-fold increase in solar in just the last four years.
While Abel points to a controversy, I think we can all agree that clean, locally sourced energy is preferable to sending billions of dollars out of state every year for fossil fuels — fuels that pollute our air and water and contribute to global warming. Our state leaders should remember that as they debate legislation to raise the cap on net metering.