Fishers hosts nearby cities for rooftop solar workshop at city hall

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By Noah Alatza

The City of Carmel is leading the way nationwide to spur more cities to comply with green initiatives. On Feb. 20, the Carmel City Council unanimously approved the first ever climate resolution in the state. After President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accords, Hamilton County officials are not waiting for the federal government to take further action.

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Webb

“It’s important to go on record stating that we want to improve our environment,” Carmel Mayor James Brainard told Current in February. “Every citizen, whether it’s an adult or child, has a right to breathe clean air and drink clean water.”

On Aug. 3 Fishers partnered with Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield and the Carmel Green Initiative for a solar workshop at Fishers City Hall. Discussions on the use of solar panels and numerous other green topics were held.

Leslie Webb is the president of the Carmel Green Initiative who spearheaded the event and several others across the state.

“Our mission is to build a more substantial community,” Webb said. “We have to let people know about what (SB309) means.”

Webb was referencing Indiana Senate Bill 309, which gained statewide media coverage earlier in the year. The bill effectively slashes incentives for small producers of solar energy, while giving the profits to major utility companies.

Gov. Eric Holcomb eventually signed the legislation into law in early May after a 37-11 vote in State Senate. The Governor’s Office declined to comment on his stance on climate change, referring to national guidelines.

“We need to go solar, because any installations of solar panels after 2022 would be hit with a heavier tax penalty,” Webb said. “Our goal is to try and leverage economic benefits from a group purchase, and to simplify the process altogether.”

Webb said that Hamilton County cities have followed in the footsteps of solarize programs already in place for many years in Bloomington and Columbus.

“I won’t get into this much, but there are lots and lots of reasons to go solar – many good reasons,” Webb said.

A 30 percent tax rebate comes off right at the top for residents in the county, while Carmel residents will receive a $250 rebate according to Webb.

“We are in the same place today with solar energy, as we were with wind energy years ago,” she said. “SB309 phases out net metering, and transfers free energy of the sun from the private market to utility companies.  These battles are taking place across the county.”

A solar panel module depends on certain wants, needs and efficiency. The payback is typically takes 10 years to show up on an electricity bill.

“It is essentially an exchange, you are not buying anything,” Webb said.

Some residents raised concerns about the potential insurance impact. Depending on the insurer, certain premiums could rise according to the Initiative.

The payoff however can come when you sell a house, because the panels can increase property value and attract younger buyers. So far, 13 companies are on board for installations, seven of which are submitted according to Webb.

Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, and Westfield APC member Ginny Kelleher were among notable attendees.

The workshop is free to attend. Any guests unable to attend should visit CarmelGreen.org for opportunities to attend the same meeting at a different location and time.


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