Camden Talks Climate: “Town Solar—How Communities Can Support Renewable Energy and Save Money”

Solar power is providing energy independence, cost savings, and reduction of fossil fuel emissions in neighboring towns.

Join this Camden Talks Climate event, hosted by CamdenCAN (Climate Action Now) in partnership with the Camden Public Library on Thursday November 14, at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in person in the Picker Room as well as on Zoom. Thomaston Town Planner John Fancy and Lincolnville Town Administrator Dave Kinney will talk about how municipalities that have invested in solar arrays have reduced large electrical bills, gone to 100% clean energy for municipal energy, and in some places earned back significant dollars that can be reinvested in other sustainable initiatives.

John Fancy, Thomaston’s Project Planner, will explain how that village significantly reduced electricity bills over the last 14 years (and have paid off the bonds). Dave Kinney, Lincolnville’s Town Administrator, will discuss his town’s approach to going toward 100% clean energy, providing financial benefits as well.

We’ll hear how towns are building upon those successes to reduce carbon emissions in other areas. The evening will finish with an extensive question and answer period so that attendees can discuss how Camden can move toward 100% clean municipal energy while also receiving cost savings

Currently Camden leases a solar array from Revision Energy at Sagamore Farm that covers 7 to 8% of the town’s energy needs. Town solar projects take perseverance and citizen involvement. Yet the benefits lead to reduced carbon emissions, and often increased revenue that can be invested in other sustainable programs, eg., EV chargers, weatherization programs, and low-income home retrofit programs. Come join us to voice your opinion and learn how you can help.

This is a hybrid event that will take place in person in the Picker Room as well as live on Zoom. To attend virtually, please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lkzzJjiMRDSUiPeSF_i1cA

Dave Kinney is a lifelong Maine resident with a BS in Civil engineering and Masters Degree in Public Administration. Dave has spent 4 years in the private sector and 34 years in the public sector, currently the Town Administrator for Lincolnville. Dave is also a licensed professional engineer. Dave drives an EV.

John Fancy is a Maine native who grew up in the greater Portland area, moved to the mid-coast in 1971, and now lives in a totally electric home in Appleton with 18 solar panels on the roof.
John spent over 50 years working with public and private water and wastewater operations, including systems from Washington to Cumberland Counties and all in between. His specialty is finding solutions to operations that are not performing as they were designed to. John was a consultant to the Waldoboro Utility District for over 40 years and now works with the Town of Thomaston. Wastewater systems are large users of electricity since they often have high horsepower motors in pumps and process equipment. One solution now available is the use of solar panels. This was the case in Thomaston where John developed and implemented a solar program beginning in 2010.

This evening is being presented by CamdenCAN (ClimateActionNow) a citizen-led organization committed to reducing Camden’s contribution to climate change through local action, education, advocacy, and resources. We help our community take advantage of climate solutions with actionable steps. Read the CamdenCAN newsletter here.