Re: “Commercial solar industry on track to spend $540 million in Maine by 2027, study shows” (Aug. 15):

Let’s just not talk about the number of jobs that installing utility solar would bring to the state. Yes, that would result in a short-term spike in good-paying jobs. Let’s look at the long term of 25 to 30 years, which is the life of the average solar installation. And, by all means, let’s see the impact on the ratepayers above all else.

A study on the cost of electricity in the U.S. by Lazard, the financial advisory firm, reveals: Solar at 3.7 cents per kilowatt-hour; wind at 4.1; natural gas at 5.6, and coal at 10.9. There is no reason to think this lineup will change. Solar is the cheapest.

Earle Mitchell
Springfield, Va.