I researched the options for solar power and this is what I found: Part 1 Community Solar.

I am a consumer, I don't work for a solar company. I am in the process of getting solar on my home. I have talked to a number of different companies and tried to be sure I understood all the information before making my decision. Between mistakes made by the companies and misrepresentations, I decided to post what I've learned to hopefully make it easier for someone else. There are three options described here. Community solar, renting solar, and purchasing solar.

Option 1: Solar Energy: The New Alternative: Community Solar Projects.

Shared Renewables

The Shared Renewables initiative (also referred to as community distributed generation) provides opportunities for renters, homeowners, low-income residents, schools, and businesses to join together to set up shared solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects resulting in healthier and stronger communities and solar for all. Each individual member’s production will appear as a credit on their monthly utility bill. The first phase of Shared Renewables will focus on promoting low-income customer participation and installations in areas of the power grid that can benefit most from local power production.  Community Solar is an installation large enough to supply a community.

‘The Shared Renewables initiative will help people and communities across the state save money on local clean energy projects,’ Cuomo says, in a statement. ‘This program is about protecting the environment and ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of their ZIP code or income, have the opportunity to access clean and affordable power.’

Centralizing the location of solar systems has advantages over residential installation that include:

• ~Trees, roof size and/or configuration, adjacent buildings, the immediate microclimate and/or other factors which may reduce power output.
• ~Building codes, zoning restrictions, homeowner association rules and aesthetic concerns.
• ~Lack of skills and commitment to install and maintain solar systems.
• ~Expanding participation to include renters and others who are not residential property owners.

There is a local Solar company in upstate New York that just opened their Solar Community farm

You many have a Solar Community Farm near you. They can work in rather large areas. Don't be afraid to call and find out.

Allows homeowners or business owners an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of solar even if:

• Your roof is shaded or not south-facing
• In a historical area or in the middle of a forest.

It is owned by a third party who is responsible for the system.

The benefit to you is a lower energy bill and a green alternative.

I pose for the Papparazi, signed Canada Goose

So I came along and I saw this Canada Goose. I slowed down and pulled over to see if it would stay long enough for me to take its picture. I pulled down the window and asked if it was ok. I've never had an animal answer, but I was brought up to be polite. It posed for me, turning its head a different angle with every picture. If I had a camera that clicked as the pictures were taken, I'd have assumed it was responding to the clicks, but I was using my I Phone. I think the Canada Goose is just a diva.

White tail deer pose for the camera

There was a group of deer grazing right near the road at the north end of Riverside Mall tonight. They got a little nervous when I stopped and most walked a little ways away and turned there backs to me but these two played sentry and watched to see if I was a threat.  I've always found deer to be some of the prettiest wild animals.

Snow is finally leaving upstate N.Y.

The snow is almost gone and can be seen only in shady spots like under this pine. It's located along a small stream in South Trenton, N.Y. It's even hard to see, just under the arch in the branches can you catch a glimpse.

Muskrat Lodge almost ready for a new year

This is a muskrat house near the road in a small pond at the corner of Coombs Road and Mallory Road in Holland Patent, NY.  I know a lot of people find muskrats just large water rats, but I love to watch them swim and build their huts.  I think these guys are still hiding from the cold.  I know I'm showing my age but every time I hear the term muskrat, I think of "The Captain and Tennille" a musical duo from the 1970's or 1980's that had a song called "Muskrat Love". I think it's about time a rapper remade "Muskrat Love"!



If you don't know the song, here's a link to a youtube video of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBYV_7a0FQs

This beach is the one they used for the white sand scene in Pirates of the Caribbean. This view was from our lunch pavilion with the Grand Bahamas Nature Tours. After lunch we were given tim to swim or walk on the beach. The sand was so soft and the waves were gentle. By far the best beach I have ever been on.

http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com/

Dolphins Jumping in Close Encounter by UNEXSO

We went on the UNEXSO Dolphin Tours in Freeport Grand Bahamas.  They offer choices of swimming with the dolphins, or to be kissed by a dolphin. The staff was entertaining and knowledgeable. We chose the meet the dolphin and got kissed by the dolphins, but the following pictures were of the two dolphins we got to meet as they swam around and showed off after they were used as educators.

https://unexso.com/tours/dolphin-close-encounter-2/