LIPA reported that it will need 10 percent to 15 percent more electric power capacity to meet growing demand from consumers and business during the next decade. Unpopular plans are being proposed by LIPA, to build new power plants all over Long Island. Even right here in scenic Glenwood Landing. NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) protesters are mobilizing. Power plants are dangerous and dirty neighbors.

Air-conditioners, refrigerators, computers, hair-dryers, pool filters...well, we have become accustomed to all the benefits of western life, LI style...the "American Dream." We do not want to conserve if it means sweating in the summer. Let's face it, the sun is only getting hotter as the greenhouse gas effect eats up our precious and vulnerable thin layer of ozone protection. What is a body to do?

In 1998, LIPA was established to distribute electricity to 1.1 million commercial and residential customers. LIPA paid LILCO's chief executive about $128 million and a few million more to his officers, for "golden parachutes," just to step down after they blew more than $4.8 billion on a nuclear generating plant in Shoreham. They scared the heck out of lots of sane people, and never produced even one glowing watt of electricity.

Where can we go to get the 10 to 15 percent more electric capacity that LIPA predicts we will need in the next decade, to keep up with growth?

LIPA and NY State have developed a "Solar Pioneer" program designed to encourage the use of solar voltaic electric systems to harness the power of the sun. Yes. Solar panels, up on the roofs. LIPA's literature explains that Long Island is an ideal spot for photovoltaic systems. The cost of a 5000 Watt (5 Kilowatts) system is about $35,000 installed. Less LIPA's rebate of $15,000 and NY State's 25 percent, $3750 maximum tax credit, that nets down the costs $16,250. Solar Pioneers can qualify for 6 percent financing. Are you still reading, neighbor?

Some energy experts say that solar power is too expensive. Too expensive? Compared to what?

For $16,500 net, with help from LIPA and NY State, we can generate enough electricity to run a well-sited, well-equipped 2000 square foot house! LIPA will let us hook up to the electric grid, and slow down that pesky electric meter that spins much too fast. When we generate more than we use on sunny days in May, we can actually turn the meter around. Imagine when your mail comes from LIPA finding a check instead of a bill! It can happen to you when you become a Solar Pioneer. On gray days in February you can still have all the power you want, and your meter will be spinning a bit slower. Your bill will be a bit lower too. At the end of the year, you can break even. If you build a large enough system, you can make money. You can sell electric energy to LIPA.

This is not an energy crisis. This is an energy opportunity.

This is great for LIPA and NY. It is great for consumers and every living thing. The growth of solar voltaic electricity on L.I. will create lots of skilled jobs, bolster our economy, and broaden our tax base. A NY State matching fund for the LIPA grant would bring the net cost for a 2000 square foot house down to $5,000 net.

Five thousand dollars to become electrically independent will be the most popular investment opportunity on L.I. since the Roth IRA!

How much does this program really cost? Less than Shoreham? Oh yes. Much less. Less than seven or eight new power plants? We do not yet know how much they might really cost, if we ever decide to build them. Solar Power is cleaner, quieter, and safer, and all things considered, cheaper. The cost would go back into our local economy. Solar is a one-time investment and does not require increased dependence on Alaskan gas, Middle-Eastern oil, or heaven forbid, cough, cough, cough, coal.

One hundred thousand homes on LI may be properly sited for full solar voltaic power. A conservative estimate. This is about 10 to 15 percent of the households served by LIPA.

At a gross cost of $35,000 for each 5-Kilowatt system, the cost of generating 500,000 kilowatts would cost $3.5 billion. Half a million kilowatts will turn on a lot of lights.

Each Solar Pioneer would invest $5,000 net. NY State and LIPA would invest $1.5 billion each, and the program would be funded. Do you think the federal government could be persuaded to participate?

Going forward, similar programs for commercial properties and new buildings can prevent any further needs from upsetting our excellent energy plan.

Governor Pataki, Chairman Kessel, President Bush...leadership is required.

Thank you for printing my long letter. I have had a solar hot-water system on my roof in Glen Cove since 1984. The cost amortized in five years due, in large part, to a federally subsidized solar energy program. Maintenance for 17 years has cost less than $400. Aside from the luxury of having plenty of hot water, all year, my passive solar collectors look good and save my family about 15 percent each month when the bill comes from LIPA.

Up on the roof. Right here on Long Island.

Steve Sloane