In spite of hard facts showing that solar panels do not save enough electricity to pay off the capital investment, I've been told that Selectman Chartrand and Selectwoman Gilman are actively pushing the use of solar panels at other municipal sites in Exeter to complement those at the DPW. They are not a wise investment and responsible use of taxpayer money.
While it will be argued that some of the cost to taxpayers will be offset by grants, one should question why any taxpayer's money (which includes grants) should be used to purchase and install these panels when it has been shown by Frank Ferraro that those currently in use at the DPW are actually costing the Town money and they will continue to do so, only at a higher rate, for their entire life. Ferraro, an engineer and executive at a major company, routinely evaluated capital investments and is well qualified to have examined the $115,000 purchase and installation of the existing solar panels at the DPW. Why is his information being ignored? Another example of "We know best and need no input from others" attitude.
Keep tuned in and Publius will keep you posted on this boondoggle.
The willingness to do this is similar to Obama's lack of concern about the electricity costs of the average American household. Obama did say that rates would sky rocket and he was not referring to putting a few solar panels into use. The most ridiculous aspect of this is that none of this will have the slightest effect on global warming. China, India, and Indonesia have made it clear that they will not try to limit their carbon emissions.
ReplyDeleteIs there a link to the Town website that makes the financial case for solar panels?
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if this is a "feel good" project without economics or otherwise.
You are expected to just trust the Town Manager that he knows what is best, even though his staff can't do basic math.
ReplyDeleteIf Mr. Ferraro is so interested in saving taxpayer money, maybe he shouldn't have taken the Town of Exeter to court, which turned his political grandstanding into an expensive stunt, which was completely un-necessary. What cost us more, solar panels or his actions?
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