AUGUSTA (AP) — Several Maine communities are reconsidering large-scale solar energy projects or putting them on the backburner following a failed bid to reform the state’s solar policies.
The Portland Press Herald reported (http://bit.ly/1YBtfpC ) a handful of cities and towns including Portland and Falmouth were planning to install photoelectric panels on top of capped landfills to provide renewable power to municipal buildings, schools and streetlights.
But the project needed the Legislature to change the way solar producers are compensated for power and allow larger projects to offset construction costs. Republican Gov. Paul LePage vetoed that legislation last month.
The Public Utilities Commission will soon consider whether to change the system for crediting small-scale solar power generators.
The uncertainty surrounding the issue has thrown several municipal solar projects into flux.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
