My husband and I put 36 solar panels on our roof in sunny North Carolina, but all we get from the state is a tax credit that wouldn't pay for a solar water heater(and we have that, too). We produce energy every day that goes into the grid. Maybe it isn't quite enough for our needs, but it is a lot, and taxpayers are not footing part of our mortgage that is our burden alone.

Yes, we sell energy, so the rural electric cooperative pays us at a good rate, but Duke Energy will be paid handsomely for its energy production, too. So what is the deal with giving them a free ride while we struggle to be as green as we possibly can be?

Why not take that money and buy solar water heaters for everyone home, mobile home, and small business in NC? That way we wouldn't need as much from Duke Energy and it would have the added benefit of giving an economic relief to regular people in these very tough economic times.

I guess this is why I don't support Kay Hagan and the business-over consumers style of politics.

Jim Neal for US Senate