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Solar in New Hampshire: Commercial Solar, PSNH, Energy Audits

Though New Hampshire is not a leader in residential solar installations, they have recently been excelling in larger commercial systems that are starting to spread the word about solar and its benefits. In May, the factory of Wire Belt Company of America in Londonderry completed a 99.3 kW system which will provide 20% of the power needs, and be fed back into the grid as part of the net-metering scheme when the factory is not in production. The company seems to really understand that the upfront cost they are paying to install the system (which is offset somewhat by federal tax credits) will quickly be paid off by the essentially “free” energy they will be receiving. And the Wire Belt Company’s system is no longer even going to be the largest solar energy system in New Hampshire. In July, Exeter High School will complete a 100 kW array which will stand in a field near the entrance of the school, giving it high public prominence for visitors and students at the school. The system will generate 5-7% of the school’s energy needs. The school, which could not be eligible for any federal or state incentives, worked with Revolution Energy, who could and did take advantage of the incentives, so that the school is paying no upfront cost for the system and will have the opportunity to fully purchase it after 10 years. And of course, as well as creating a greener, cleaner future for the school district, the panels will provide educational opportunities for students for years to come. The students at Exeter High School will be able to see firsthand how solar is environmentally and economically beneficial and spread the word as solar advocates as they grow up.

But no matter how well these commercial products are working, it’s important to get homeowners on the solar train as well. And Vermont based groSolar is doing just that, by promoting the benefits and cost effectiveness of clean energy and providing easy, fast, and professional installations all across New England. New England has the interesting dilemma of being the home of many old colonial houses that, while beautiful and historic, are not very energy efficient. It’s important that homeowners, in New Hampshire, Vermont and surrounding areas, understand that on top of installing solar to offset their energy usage, they also make sure their homes are as efficient as they can be already so that the solar is used to its fullest possible advantage. For New Hampshire residents, there is an important program which, though not directly related to solar, is important in the going-green process. Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) provides free energy audits to their customers who use at least 30% electric heat and then pays for a large portion of the recommended upgrades to make the home more efficient. This is a fantastic investment for the homeowners who will be losing a lot of money through drafts or other inefficient elements of their old home. The upgrades can be done without a loss of integrity to the home and with definite increased comfort, especially during the cold winter months. And when you combine house upgrades with a solar system, New Hampshire homeowners will end up saving a lot of money!