Five Reasons to Start Your Own Electric Utility

Anne Dean of Woodstock stands in her garden behind the 18 panel solar power installation that supplies all of her electricity during summer, and the vast majority through winter. (Photo credit: Chris Bartlett)


by Christopher Bartlett


Sometimes the stars align in such a way that it becomes clear that it's time to take action. Such a moment may have arrived for solar electric power. So check how these five influences could affect your thinking. You might find it's time for your declaration of power independence.



Incentives: In May, the life of the Vermont Renewable Energy Rebate program was extended with a $5,275,000 grant it received from the American Recovery and Renewal Act. At $1.50 per watt, this state-sponsored rebate amounts to $7500 on a typical 5 kW system.

On top of that, the 30% federal income tax credit has been extended, and its previous $2000 cap has been eliminated. "Together, these incentives can reduce a project's costs by half," said Norwood Long, a South Pomfret resident currently installing an 8 kW system. "Even without future electric rate increases, this translates to a 5% to 6% tax-free return on your investment - pretty attractive in today's investment environment."

Environment: The catastrophic Gulf oil spill has greatly raised awareness about the need to reduce our impact on the environment. So when people become aware that 7.8 metric tons of carbon are emitted in generating the average US household's annual consumption of 11,340 kW of electric power, many feel solar power is the place to start reducing their carbon footprint.

David Doolittle has been living off the grid in South Royalton for over 20 years. "We became so much more conscious of our use of resources, and learned to adjust our life," he said. "Generating your own solar power directly connects you with the environment, and that has been enormously satisfying."

Savings: With continued upward price pressure on the carbon-based fuels used to generate most electricity, consumers can reasonably expect their monthly utility bills to keep rising -- except, of course, those who no longer depend on the power company for their electricity needs.

"Since installing solar panels five years ago, I've been generating all my own electricity in summer and 70% in winter," said Anne Dean of Woodstock. "I love not having to pay a big monthly electric bill!"
Net Metering: By law, utilities are now required to purchase back excess solar-generated electricity at the same retail price they charge customers. So on high generation days, every solar panel owner essentially becomes a mini power plant operator.

And because excess electricity flows to the next closest power line drop, it will be your neighbors that you supply with clean solar electricity. "On a sunny day, there's nothing more satisfying than to watch your meter literally spinning backwards," said Dean. "And what could be more joyous than providing clean power to your good friends and neighbors."

S.W. Workshop: Just as all these influences are converging, Sustainable Woodstock's energy group is hosting a solar power workshop in the upstairs meeting room at Woodstock Town Hall on Thursday, July 22 at 7 PM. We invite everyone to hear the experiences of local residents who have installed solar panels, and get advice from specialist contractors and consultants.

So the stars are aligned, and the sun is shining. Maybe it's time for you to consider generating your own clean electric power. For more information, email Sally Miller or call her at 457-2911.