Hey Mr. Green,

Q: Cutting down trees to provide for solar energy makes no sense. Community solar (CS) options are a viable alternative to cutting trees. Indeed, the Sierra Club has partnered with Arcadia Power to offer solar renewable energy credits and also direct CS investment options. How could you miss the opportunity put in a plug for your own program?! 

—John Ann Arbor, Michigan

A: You’re not alone in your criticism, John. Some readers have demanded a retraction, though they did politely refrain from urging me to hang myself from the nearest tree (see “Hey Mr. Green! Should I cut down trees for solar panels?” from the November/December issue of Sierra). In my defense, I didn’t call for whacking trees, so I’m not ready to eat crow just yet. I was comparing the ability of trees and solar panels to offset carbon dioxide emissions from our insanely wasteful use of electricity.

However, as you have quite rightly noted, I failed to think outside the roof and blew a fine opportunity to tout some sweet alternatives for anyone to make a decidedly un-shady deal, like the Sierra Club/Arcadia’s that you mention. The program helps folks purchase renewable energy credits that guarantee they’re buying clean wind power. Or you can invest in a community solar organization that taps into more solar panels than a single home’s roof can hold, except the vast McMansions of the super-rich.

What’s sunniest about these options is that you don’t have to own a house. If you live in a condo or rent an apartment, you can still buy clean power! Click here for info on Arcadia or call 866-526-0083. For more on community solar, check out Solar Energy Industries and the database at dsireusa.org.