News
US Representative Annie Kuster Visits Solar Shares Inaugural Array.
US Representative Annie Kuster visited with PAREI staff and members and toured the NH Solar Shares inaugural community solar array today. Rep Kuster, as of January, now serves on the important Energy and Commerce Committee. We thank Rep Kuster for visiting with us today. This was a great opportunity to convey the importance of investing in solar energy and providing more people access to it as well as sharing that many people in the Plymouth community believe that implementing solutions for the climate crisis is a top issue.
Warren, NH Chosen for Second NH Solar Shares Location
Warren, NH: NH Solar Shares announced today that they will be partnering with the Appleknockers General Store to build their second community solar PV array in Warren, NH. NH Solar Shares is a program run by the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative designed to share solar energy with income eligible families, increase the portion of solar energy on the grid and contribute to a healthier environment.
“When we first heard about NH Solar Shares and their mission to bring the benefits of solar energy to local families in our area, we were immediately interested,” said store owner, Tori Berger. “We want to support our local community in any way we can and we have the perfect roof for installing solar panels.”
NH Solar Shares built their first community solar project in Plymouth, NH last Fall on the hillside behind the Frosty Scoops ice cream stand owned by the Common Man Family of Restaurants. Currently ten local families from the Plymouth area sever as shareholders for the Plymouth solar array. Once the project in Warren is underway, NH Solar Shares will be looking for families from the Warren/Wentworth area to sign up for the program. There is no cost to sign up and new families rotate through the program every two years.
The solar energy generated from the community solar arrays are credited monthly to the families’ electric bills. To participate, households must be in the NH Electric Cooperative service territory, qualify for NH Fuel Assistance and be interested in learning about both solar energy and home energy savings.
“We are committed to working long term with NH Solar Shares and support its effort to build community PV arrays in our service area and bring the cost savings of solar energy to more of our members.” Said Steve Camerino, President of the NH Electric Cooperative.
The Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative is kicking off a special small donor fundraising campaign to help raise the funds to build the community solar project in Warren. For just pocket change, community members interested in supporting the project can reduce climate change by donating to the cost of the solar panels for the project. Learn more about the Buy C02 Fundraising Campaign here: https://nhsolarshares.org/carbon/
Interested donors, volunteers, and local families wishing to get involved should contact NH Solar Shares, PO Box 753 79 Highland Street Plymouth, NH 03264; 603-536-5030 nhsolarshares@plymouthenergy.org For more information visit www.nhsolarshares.org NH Solar Shares LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative – a 501-C 3 Not for Profit Tax Exempt Charitable Organization.
NH Solar Shares on NHPR
NH Solar Shares was interviewed on New Hampshire Public Radio. Click here to listen.