A reply to a recent letter to the editor (Penticton Western News, More research into solar power needed, May 11).
1. Since solar power is unable to supply year-round B.C. electrical needs of public buildings, industries and homes. B.C. must have adequate hydro power on tap every hour of the year.
2. There is nothing wrong in continuing to use the established cleanest hydro power generation.
3. Every entity connected to a hydro power grid is fully obligated to pay each month a share of the annual grid operating and infrastructure costs and pay GST.
4. It is unjust to force non-solar customers to make up the solar users shortfall in hydro revenues. It is unfair for federal, provincial or municipal governments to give grants and encourage solar installations. Solar does not pay for itself and installations, along with disposal of solar panels, are anti-environmental.
5. B.C. hydro power is in the business of delivering and selling electricity, morally they must stop buying electricity.
6. Solar farms covering land and plants that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) is another concern.
For B.C., with surplus clean hydro power generation capacities, solar and wind power makes no environmental or economic sense.
Bruce Alton McGillis
Penticton
