To the editor:

In shop class, when I was a kid, we were taught to measure twice before cutting that board. Yes, I had to learn that lesson a couple of times more before it sank in, but now I think about it every time! The same can be said about planning ahead. I do believe in renewable energy and resources, and I am a firm believer in recycling; but everything has its place. Solar panels look fine on rooftops, industrial settings, on school or municipal buildings. In pastures, on historic farms — not!

I could hardly believe my eyes, as I re-read for the second and third time, the article about Greenbank Farm and its solar project. I remember very well the energy crisis of the 1970s, when everyone and his brother went solar. Solar panels, solar boxes, solar rooms, water heaters, swimming pool heaters, etc., etc. So where are they today? Now, I read that the most sophisticated system ever, built in the desert where there are over 300 days of sun, may not be as profitable as envisioned. I almost wrote months ago to warn about constructing an untested solar experiment at Greenbank Farm; and then they came, the ugly black panels taking form like a blight on the landscape. Gone for my lifetime is the pleasing, pastoral landscape that was once Greenbank Farm; and why was the farm rescued in the first place, to protect the lands from the ravages of development? OMG! or as Pogo once said, “The enemy is us.”

For six years, I have driven once or twice a week from the Bayview area to traverse the fields with my dog, much as I did back east in my youth. What a treat to pull in front of the big red barns and walk those wonderful fields. Often we would grab a quick bite for lunch, or sneak in an afternoon piece of pie; or pick up a bottle of wine and some cheese before going home, but the atmosphere has changed and it’s different. Now, I pass by the main drive and go to the pull-off further up 525, and begin my walk from the other side just to avoid the jolt of those horrible black panels.

Now, for the rest of the story. I have had to read carefully the details of the finances of this money-making enterprise; and when does it break even, and when does it make money, and I missed the stated lifespan of the panels, and who gets the opportunity to buy it at the end of its lifetime. As a wise congressperson said, “We have to pass it to see what’s in it.” The way it looks to me, the private investors get their profits before the “port” gets anything. Does that sound like Solyndra, anyone? As far as I can see, the only people making any money on this deal are the installers, and they will be long gone when the questions are asked years from now. Beware the governmental business complex! If I could, I would tear out everything right now, and chalk it up as a bad experiment; but I know it’s too late and at least I have had my say. Shame on me for not speaking sooner!

So what will I do? Well, I’ll park up the road, put on my blinders, and try to enjoy what’s left of wonderful Greenbank Farm. And when the weakened winter sun skims the horizon, the rains come, and when the clouds block the sun for days on end, I’ll wonder whose idea was this anyway. I do hope it makes money, but will it all be really worth it in the long run?

Harvey E. Lambeth Jr.

Clinton