Thank you, Marshall Helmberger, for publishing the article “Here Comes the Sun” in the June 12, 2026, edition of the Timberjay. You describe the nitty gritty “how to’s” of adding solar panels to an existing or a newly constructed house. We appreciated the description of the items one would need to begin adding solar panels e.g. charge controllers, battery banks, backup generators, and inverters. It sounds complex, but these are all easily available commercial items that you or your installer can provide. The costs of electrical power are increasing. Solar panels are expected to last for 30 years and will have a financial “break even” time of 10-15 years. Savings beyond that are substantial whether you have an off-grid system or a grid-tied system. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping the planet. 
The Ely Climate Group has had several speakers discussing details of solar power and fully endorses the addition of solar panels to your existing house or business. You can watch recordings of our programs on solar installations on Ely Climate Group’s YouTube page. We are currently promoting solar in collaboration with MN Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL) and the local solar installer Wolf Track Energy. Funds from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act still exist as a 30 percent federal subsidy which will partially pay for solar panels for businesses and nonprofits. Applications need to be made in calendar 2026 for installation in 2027. Unfortunately, this is no longer available for private homeowners. We are hoping to gather several interested nonprofit entities to join us with the MNIPL group to begin the process of grant application for the existing funds. You can find details at our blog here: https://elyminnesota.com/elyclimate. We can help you understand the process, costs, benefits and get started. Solar panels are the future for affordable energy with or without the tax credit.
Thank you.
Barb Jones, Jodi Chaffin, Celia Domich, Bill Tefft, Cathy Vanderboom, Mary Louise Icenhour
Ely