How about a huge Marin solar project

So, I had to read the IJ’s article on Marin County’s “largest solar project” a couple times before I understood the jist of it all.

Let’s see if I can summarize this for all of you out there in Readerville.

Here’s the skinny: The Marin Energy Authority announced a 20-year deal with the San Rafael Airport to install 972 kilowatts worth of solar panels to supply fresh, clean, renewable energy to upwards of 280 homes. Residents and commercial businesses will still pay for their energy through PG&E, who says 20 percent of its current current is renewable and on the rise.

That’s it in a nutshell.

As for the pros of this project: Renewable energy is good. Period. And the effort to give residents 50 to 100 percent reusable energy is huge.

This initiative is looking to install panels atop parking structures in Larkspur, Novato, San Rafael, and more in Marin. That means — drumroll, please — more jobs! A boost in the local economy. What a novelty.

And the Marin Energy Authority itself is a new idea, a publicly-owned provider of renewable energy. Sounds swell.

Now, the downside: Residents will still be paying for this renewable energy through PG&E. Which would be fine, expect for the fact that the Marin Energy Authority mailed opt-out letters to all of the residents that don’t want to be part of the new initiative.

So, either you’re part of the county’s new plan, or you have to jump through hoops to get away from it. And apparently, residents and commercial businesses will have to pay a small fine if their opt-out isn’t received by the 60-day enrollment deadline.

So there you have it.

Could this be the beginning of a renewable-energy revolution? Or just another effort that makes disgruntled PG&E customers even more irritated with their gas and electric service?

You be the judge.