Solar Industry News

Powerful Interests Shaping Fate of Maine Solar Industry

ReVision Energy's renewable energy projects are frequently featured in local and national newpapers, radio and television.

In this April 22, 2015 file photo, Fortunat Mueller of ReVision Energy looks at a list of solar projects in the works. Photo Courtesy Maine Public.

Via Maine Public, ReVision Energy founding partner Fortunat Mueller discussed the current legislative effort to halt the Maine PUC decision earlier this year:

Fortunat Mueller is not a fan of a decision on solar energy that the Maine Public Utilities Commission made earlier this year. "It's expensive, it's largely unworkable and it's probably illegal."

Mueller, one of the founding partners of the Maine-based solar company ReVision energy, is referring to the PUC's decision to phase out credits given to residential customers who sell solar-generated electricity back to the power grid.

The commission devised a new system it said would free consumers who do not have solar power from subsidizing those who do, but would still help homeowners recoup upfront investments in solar arrays, which are getting cheaper every year.

Critics, including Mueller, want lawmakers to nullify the regulators' plan, before it goes into effect next year. "So it'll be challenged in court even it does survive. So what we're asking the Legislature to do is not let this rule go into effect."