Allen letter: Solar energy

Solar energy projects are popping up all over the Treasure Valley.

Independent investors are responsible for 15 large solar projects that are scheduled to come online this year; the power produced will be sold to Idaho Power. More than 730 rooftops (including mine) were covered in solar at the end of 2015; between 500-600 new installations are expected in 2016 alone. I just read that the Snake River Alliance’s solarize initiative is aiming at 50 new solar installations throughout the valley.

Solar growth means jobs in our community and energy produced locally, from clean Idaho sunshine. The big new solar electricity generation facility on Cloverdale Road employed 285 people on its busiest day of construction. A 2015 census showed that more than 380 workers were employed by 43 solar companies in Idaho.

So who is leading the charge? People and groups who see how clean energy benefits everyone; clean energy developers, non-profit organizations, conservation advocates. They are all working on transitioning our energy for a better future.

Let’s encourage our government officials and Idaho Power to join them, and commit to advancing 100 percent clean energy for the people.

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Allen letter: Solar energy."