Thinking globally and investing locally underlies Maine Interfaith Power and Light's approach to supplying clean, renewable electricity. Maine Interfaith Power and Light deposits up to 20% of product revenues into a special fund to help install solar and other renewable energy technologies in Maine. Maine Interfaith offers its clean electricity product line with a commitment to its customers – that through their purchases they are directly assisting with the implementation of new renewable energy systems in Maine.

Consistent with this purpose, Maine Interfaith Power and Light has created the Sunny Day Fund. Like a rainy day fund, the Sunny Day Fund is a pool of money that we have been setting aside since the first residential electricity customer switched to our premier renewable power supply product (Green Supply). Unlike a rainy day fund, however, the money in the Fund is not in reserve in case of disaster, rather, these funds are destined for investment in renewable energy projects in Maine that will help prevent the many potential disasters that await us as a result of our persistent reliance on diminishing supplies of polluting fossil fuels. This pool of money has been named the "Sunny Day Fund" because the funds will be used to help ensure a clean, bright and renewable energy future for Maine.

While both state and federal programs exist to help Mainers invest in solar systems, the cost is still out of reach for many. That is where the Sunny Day Fund comes into play. To help put more solar on Maine roofs, Maine Interfaith Power and Light recently accessed the Sunny Day Fund and contributed $8,000 to the Downeast Solar Coop. Bolstered by contributions from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Interface Fabrics, and the Maine State Energy Program, Maine Interfaith's grant has created a limited rebate pool to offer assistance for qualifying photo-voltaic solar system installations in Maine.

While installing a solar energy system can get expensive, the benefits outweigh the costs in reduced fuel costs for years ahead and represents a return in free solar hot water or electricity for the next 20 to 30 years. Moreover, every new solar energy system helps hold down electricity prices, replaces uncertain petroleum, keeps installation jobs and energy dollars in Maine while keeping Maine's air clean. Helping Mainers invest in solar today is in everyone's interest.

Installers of qualifying solar energy systems may apply for assistance through the Downeast Solar Coop. For more information, please contact Erika Morgan at 729-9665.