Outlook not so sunny

Fri., April 29, 2011

With regards to the article about the Oregon solar project (“Nonprofit goes solar to save,” April 24), I wonder about something. The project costs about $100,000 and would save $1,820 per year. Therefore, it would take over 50 years to recover the initial investment.

I don’t believe solar panels last 50 years. Add in the cost of upkeep and repair, and one has to wonder if the whole thing is cost-effective. Why was the article so upbeat?

John Pauley

Spokane Valley

Letters policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: editor@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-3815
Phone: (509) 459-5430