I would like to add to the June 27 In My View column by John Stambaugh, “Why handing out solar cells makes no sense at all.” I was alerted to the article by one of our newest solar electric customers, Rod Page, who recommended we personally invite Mr. Stambaugh to see a real array.

Unfortunately Mr. Stambaugh couldn’t attend, as he was going out of the area. However, our new solar electric customer’s instinct was correct. The article needed to be refreshed with real world facts.

First, with regard to solar’s production capacity, Mr. Stambaugh writes, “we have only 80 percent of the solar radiance available in Phoenix.” While this is true, the actual yearly energy production is only 15 percent less.

Astonishingly, a system in Bend will actually outperform a system in Phoenix in July and August due to the fact that heat decreases efficiency, and, of course, Phoenix is hot. This means that Central Oregon is a solar electric blessing!

We also need to look at installed economics. Due to the rapidly growing worldwide demand and increased investment in solar and inverter factories like PV Powered here in Bend, the installed costs are 23 percent less than stated!

While one would question quibbling over 5 percent or 23 percent, remember ours is an industry that does teeter on affordability to become a mass product.

Mr. Stambaugh does recognize that a solar electric system is funded from multiple sources, including the homeowner, ratepayer, and, yes, the state and federal taxpayer. Importantly, solar rebates from the Energy Trust of Oregon are from a line item on your electric bill. We all pay a “public purpose” charge, which is a percentage of one’s total bill, so large consumers of electricity pay more to the fund. The contribution to the Energy Trust would be an annual average of $25.

Mr. Stambaugh suggests that only the rich can take advantage of buying a solar electric system. Our customers are citizens that do not just make an investment based on the percentage return, but on the long-term implications of what their money can do to shape a positive, strong and clean country.

In addition, in our Connecticut market, we have a progressive lease program which is income-based. Oregon is not far behind in creating a program in which an even higher percentage of all income levels can have a solar electric system.

Mr. Stambaugh is correct in that a properly sized system in Bend can provide 100 percent of a home’s electricity usage. Our panels and systems increase in efficiency annually. In addition, energy-efficient homes mean smaller systems and smaller solar electric investments to reach the 100 percent goal.

Mr. Stambaugh is a firm supporter of wind energy, which is one of the most cost-efficient methods of generating large scale power. However, in small scale, wind gets relatively more expensive and wind in an urban environment can run up against many codes, covenants and restrictions. It’s important to note we need a variety of renewable energy sources — wind, solar, geothermal and more to solve our nation’s current energy and environmental problems.

Small-scale energy production, such as solar and wind, empowers the individual and keeps local money in the local economy. That decreases the need for large centralized power plants that rain mercury and coal dust into our lives.

The world is moving to renewable and clean sources of energy. If Oregon homeowners, ratepayers and taxpayers can ally themselves and create a market for solar electric products for domestic and international consumption, then we create jobs here — jobs that Oregon and Deschutes County, specifically, are in dire need of in these economic times. According to a recent article in The Bulletin, Oregon’s 12.4 percent unemployment rate is the second highest in the nation. Tragically for our neighbors, Deschutes County’s 16.7 percent unemployment rate in May is the highest among urban counties in the state and one of the highest in the nation!

Mr. Stambaugh’s article does a disservice to companies like PV Powered here in Bend and Sunlight Solar. PV Powered is certainly one of the brightest stars in the area with amazing potential. Sunlight Solar has gone from a few employees five years ago to more than 40 employees nationwide, with the sky as the limit. Solar is contributing toward the critical need to diversify local industry.

I hope to encounter Mr. Stambaugh outside in beautiful Central Oregon. I would like the opportunity to share a toast for doing what we all have come here to do, enjoy the environment, which is something that solar electricity helps to protect.