Augusta – The Natural Resources Council of Maine is celebrating this year’s Earth Day in a big way.
They’re unveiling their new solar power system which includes more than 50 solar panels on their roof.
“I certainly remember in my youth when Earth Day first began and it’s really a wonderful opportunity for all of us to stop and think about the choices we make every day that impact our environmental health,” said Natural Resources Council of Maine Executive Director, Lisa Pohlmann.
NRCM partnered with ReVision Energy on the project, which offered a unique financial program not involving any money down, since non-profits don’t qualify for tax credits for renewable energy.
“We pay them for our electricity cost at a slightly lower rate than we would be getting with our usual energy use,” said Pohlmann.
“If there is more electricity being produced on the roof than is being consumed in the building, that excess electricity is exported to the grid and the owner of the building gets credited for all of the excess that’s exported,” said ReVision Co-Founder, Phil Coupe.
Folks with ReVision Energy say a big misconception is Maine doesn’t have enough sunlight to power something like this.
“Maine’s solar resource is really powerful. Some of the best sun in New England,” said Coupe.
They hope more people follow their lead.
“Maine can’t move fast enough away from its over reliance on fossil fuel energy. I look at every single project that goes on a roof in Maine as critically important,” said Coupe.
