New Hampshire
As the 5th smallest state by size in nation, New Hampshire sure is making a big impact in the future of solar energy. New Hampshire is in the process of shaping its solar energy future through a robust public policy debate. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) states that by 2025, 25% of the state’s electricity will come from renewable energy, and 0.7% of this will be from solar. You may start to notice more solar panels on rooftops during your fall foliage drive through Dover, or from the top of Mount Washington.
Solar Energy Future Reports
Current and Recent Initiatives
- House Bill 106 – Municipal Host Customer Generators of Electrical Energy
Establishes an exemption under net energy metering for group net metered facilities that generate electricity to offset electrical requirements of a group consisting of political subdivisions.
- House Bill 167 – Net Energy Metering Limits for Customer Generators
Relates to net energy metering limits for customer generators and the purchase of output of limited electrical energy producers.
- Order Adopting a New Net Metering Tariff, What Does This Mean?
In June 2017, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission approved new net metering tariffs which will apply monthly credits to small solar customers. The tariff is meant to boost the American solar manufacturing industry and is temporary. It will be implemented while data surrounding solar is collected and pilot programs are launched, dropping from 30% to 5% in the next several years.
- The Search for the Oldest Panel
Solar has been helping power ‘The Granite State’ for decades now, but how many from decades ago are still in use? New Hampshire’s Granite Geek begins the search for the oldest solar panel which they believe could date back to 1979.