Two weeks ago, the Free Lance ran a guest editorial from Kim
Williams, commenting on Solargen’s proposed solar farm in the
Panoche Valley. I admire Kim and understand her
”
not in my backyard
”
opposition. However, Harry S. Truman said,
”
Intense feeling too often obscures the truth
”
which was the case with Kim’s editorial.
By Michael Peterson
Two weeks ago, the Free Lance ran a guest editorial from Kim Williams, commenting on Solargen’s proposed solar farm in the Panoche Valley. I admire Kim and understand her “not in my backyard” opposition. However, Harry S. Truman said, “Intense feeling too often obscures the truth” which was the case with Kim’s editorial.
I would like to set forth the truth and clarify some information regarding Solargen’s project. Let me first explain what happened with the Panoche School. Last year, I offered to build a solar system for the school, which would allow them to put the money they save on electricity bills directly toward their students’ education. I shared my desire with the school board and began to make plans. I was very surprised when Ms. Williams, who actually works at the school, told me personally that she would do all she could to stop our gift. When I heard she was mobilizing opposition by characterizing our gift in a negative light, I put our plans on hold.
However, given Ms. Williams’ new public commitment to support our proposal, we will gladly re-approach the school board. Ms. Williams also used language from our quarterly report to question our experience, financial position and ability to deliver a successful project. Such “cautionary” language is required by law and customary for publicly traded companies.
For example, consider the following language from eBay’s 1998 annual report: “As an online commerce company in the early stage of development, we face increased risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties. You should consider an investment in our company in light of these risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties.” As most know, eBay has become one of the most successful companies in the world. We understand that there are some people who will oppose even the best projects for personal reasons. However, we have found that most people support our project because of its enormous potential benefits to San Benito County residents.
First, the project will create needed jobs in this community (up to 200 jobs at the site during the estimated six-year construction period and up to 50 jobs thereafter). We are participating in a federal workforce program to ensure most of these jobs are filled by San Benito residents. Our business plan projects over $100 million in wages, wages that will be spent in local businesses and services throughout the community (creating an additional 400 indirect jobs countywide).
Second, even though solar projects are exempt from paying property tax, Solargen will make voluntary payments to the County, which will average $1 million per year in discretionary revenue. Third, we understand that water is vital to our agricultural economy, which is why we will use solar equipment that requires no water to operate. We will draw small amounts of water from on-site wells to keep dust down during construction and occasionally rinse the panels once operational, preserving the water supply for farming or residential uses.
We actively invite folks from San Benito County to call us or stop by our office at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce to learn more about the project. Solargen and the County have held and will hold workshops and Open Houses to describe the project. In the next week or so, Solargen is mailing a brochure to thousands of San Benito County households to give information on the project. Finally, Solargen representatives will continue to attend local events where possible to answer questions about the project.
We welcome the opportunity to answer questions and address concerns about the project because we find that when we do, most reasonable people walk away feeling excited about our project and the benefits it will bring to San Benito County. We invite all to learn the true facts about Solargen’s project, and in so doing, believe most will support this project that will be so beneficial to the local community.
Michael Peterson is CEO of Solargen Energy, Inc.
