Cleaner air is a benefit, too

Sunday, July 4, 2004

In response to "Can Solar Power Work" in the June 13 Real Estate section: What are you more concerned with, that solar panels "hog considerable roof space," as the writer so eloquently stated, or that a considerable amount of the air you breathe is polluted by energy-related emissions?

People are concerned about the almighty dollar, I understand that. But what about the environment you live in, the environment your children and grandchildren will one day live in? Everyone keeps asking, "How much money will I save?" Here's a little secret I'll share with you: It's not all about the money.

If your goal is to install a photovoltaic system so you can generate your own power and sell your excess power back to the utility, I support you all the way. But you have to spend money to make money. Photovoltaic systems aren't free.

You won't see the payback for your system in this year's energy bills, and there are some savings you'll never see. Why? Because there are priceless benefits to be had by preserving the earth's natural resources.

These are the savings you won't see on any energy bill because the more valuable payback from using solar energy is the intrinsic benefits you can't put a price on.

Katherine Raisanen Milwaukee