Solar Up NH is based on a proven residential group purchasing model designed to bring down the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems when residents sign up for a pre-selected installer’s offering. The more residents who sign up to install solar, the more the price comes down for everyone who participates in this pilot. Because the installer, the technology and the exact price of PV are already provided, it is much easier for residents to make their decision to go solar. This program has worked extremely well in Oregon, Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as the Upper Valley area, and we are excited to bring it to Southern New Hampshire.
Solar Up NH is a partnership between the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission, SmartPower, the New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association and the Hillsborough County Area Renewable Energy Initiative (HAREI), with generous support from the John Merck Fund.
The program is designed to help accelerate the growth of residential and commercial solar across our region using a proven model – Solarize. The program consists of these elements:
- Community leadership
- Local volunteers
- Pre-selected, competitively chosen solar installer
- Tiered pricing, so the price goes down the more people sign up
- A clear end date for a campaign that lasts 16-20 weeks
The Solar Up NH team will be selecting only four communities to participate in our first pilot effort, which will run in the summer and fall of 2015. We will be providing marketing materials and a website for selected communities to use to promote the program, along with guidance in selecting a solar installer, so while there is no cost to your community to participate in Solar Up NH, there is a commitment of time and energy to help engage your residents and make the program a success in your community.
To apply, click here.
Please come out to the March 30, 2015 Regional Kick Off Workshop to learn more. If you have questions, please contact Jack Munn, AICP, Chief Planner, at (603) 669-4664.
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