You may have read the Recorder’s recent article celebrating solar panels that I sponsored in Greenfield [“Donation creates city’s first net-zero building,” Sept. 4]. At this point, I’ve financed 157 panels covering approximately 3,000 square feet on seven roofs (one being my own dwelling) in Warwick, Greenfield, Conway and Northampton. All solar panels were installed by Frankin County-based PV Squared.
Rather than buying shares in a for-profit company that builds and manages ground-based solar arrays, I have looked for opportunities to place panels on new or recently reconditioned roofs owned by nonprofit entities. By chance, someone mentioned Habitat for Humanity, and thanks to the enlightened and forward-looking director of Pioneer Valley H4H, so far four of these new homes have “empowered” roofs.
Later, I investigated the prospects for funding solar panels for roofs in Franklin County’s 26 municipalities. Such roofs have now been enhanced in Warwick and Greenfield; Wendell’s installation is scheduled; and fourth and fifth roofs elsewhere are awaiting completion or are scheduled for renovation. And there are further good prospects in Franklin County for panels on more municipal buildings!
This appeal goes out to certain senior citizens, with a definite “cc” to younger adults and to adolescents. Many of us (I’m 81) have more money than we’ll probably need going forward at this point and are very concerned about humanity’s response so far to climate disruption and about what the future has in store for ourselves and for those younger adults and children who we hold dear (for those seniors who are strapped for funds, this My Turn appeal is not focused on you).
Many concerned younger adults have busy work lives, debts to pay (often student loans), children to raise. The adolescents are often very concerned but feel powerless (except for Greta Thunberg) — and their anxiety is unlikely to lessen as they age into adulthood.
So it’s time for us better-off seniors to arise from our laurels and start sponsoring solar installations. This action is likely to disrupt our current conventional IRAs, annuities, wills, etc., but we must react to this climate emergency for the sake of our loved ones and for Mother Earth. Such action on our parts may confuse our loved ones, but, as climate events unfold, they should come to understand.
One direct “family” approach would entail refurbishing (if necessary) and powering the roofs of houses owned by those dear to us, assuming that there are no trees blocking the sun’s transit, etc.
I’m no millionaire, but I am taking action, have set aside a goodly share of my financial assets to sponsor installation of solar panels, and I appeal to you to do the same.
If you’d like to discuss my approach or an approach of your own (there may be additional opportunities out there among other types of nonprofits that own their buildings, for example), please contact me at wba4polact@outlook.com (note: I may not open emails with attachments).
I have no interest in handling money other than my own. We can’t take the funds with us but for now we have the financial power to step up to the climate-disruption challenge.
Bill Ashley lives in Greenfield.