Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
The transition of electricity generation from fossil fuels to solar power is becoming more obvious in Kent as we notice more home roofs with solar photovoltaic cells. But we can’t say the same about governmental and business buildings. Although the city council approved the climate action plan developed through the Sustainability Commission and has committed to solarizing two governmental buildings, the grants applied for to help subsidize this effort have not been approved. Hopefully this may be achieved by early next year. But only one business building that we know of has been solarized.
When visiting the Standing Rock Cultural Arts for a musical performance several weeks ago, I found out that it gets electricity from a solar panel array installed on its lower roof. I was impressed and wondered how this major decision was made. So, I met with Jeff Ingram, the Executive Director of Standing Rock, and he showed me his set-up to transform solar power into electricity and helped me understand why, how, and the future of his project.
Jeff’s commitment to support an alternative fuel source evolved into action when he decided to solarize Standing Rock in 2013. A friend of his who attended poetry readings, art shows and musical performances helped by providing a “grant” to fund solarization. Jeff purchased and installed five panels to provide 500 watts of energy and 24 volts of power generated to cover the electricity needed for the lighting, window fans, and sound system of the original two-room structure on North Water Street. Four six-volt batteries were added to save and distribute the energy especially when electricity shuts down in the city. He is very pleased he made the decision to move to solar especially now that he does not have to pay an electricity bill. Standing Rock’s future looks even brighter since Jeff has added two rooms including an art museum and looks forward to adding more solar cells to accommodate the need for additional electricity.
I asked Jeff if he knew of any other business in Kent that has or intends to transition to solar but he knew of none. Our conclusion is that Standing Rock needs to serve as a model for other businesses in Kent and Portage County in general. Their roofs of solar cells can help the city move away from its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and join the growing world-wide commitment to save itself from possible extinction.
— Bill Wilen, Kent
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