Healdsburg weighs solar cooperative – The Press Democrat (California)

When it comes to solar power panels, some homeowners want them, but other things interfere. Perhaps trees create too much shade, the location isn't ideal, or the paperwork...

When it comes to solar power panels, some homeowners want them, but other things interfere. Perhaps trees create too much shade, the location isn't ideal, or the paperwork and costs appear daunting. “I live next to a golf course,” said Healdsburg Councilman Jim Wood, whose house is regularly struck

When it comes to solar power panels, some homeowners want them, but other things interfere.

Perhaps trees create too much shade, the location isn’t ideal, or the paperwork and costs appear daunting.

“I live next to a golf course,” said Healdsburg Councilman Jim Wood, whose house is regularly struck by errant balls.

“To have an expensive (solar) array destroyed by golf balls isn’t very appealing,” he said.

That’s where an innovative proposal comes in: A “solar farm” for Healdsburg in which residents and businesses could buy into a cooperative solar installation.

This would enable all residents, including renters, to buy into what would be greener and presumably cheaper electricity.

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