Solar for NH

Supporting the Adoption of Solar in the Granite State

  • Why Solar?
  • NH Solar Policy
  • Net Metering
  • How Solar Works
  • Solar Testimonials
  • Take Action
  • Solar In The Media
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Solar Policy in New Hampshire

Solar has the unique ability to revitalize our economy, improve consumer choice, and benefit all electricity ratepayers. Yet, NH’s current energy policies lack the foresight and ambition needed to facilitate this transition in our state. Namely, solar arrays eligible for net metering are capped at 1 MW and class 2 RPS are set at 0.7%. 

In order to ensure reliable, low-cost energy for all New Hampshire ratepayers, changes to state policy will be necessary. Several promising bills were considered this summer that, if passed, would help to expand solar energy in our state. 

House Bill 365 – Increases the cap on solar projects eligible for net metering from 1 MW to 5 MW. This change would lead to increased ratepayer savings, greater energy-independence, reduced utility price volatility, improved grid diversity, local job growth, and tens of millions in new investment. 

Senate Bill 165 – Improves net metering credits for low-moderate income community group projects, reducing barriers to expanding solar. 

Senate Bill 168 – Increases New Hampshire’s class 2 Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) from 0.7% to 5.4%. Class 2 RPS mandate the percentage of the state’s total energy needs met via solar. If passed, this bill would increase private investment by as much as $1 billion and add thousands of high-quality, in-state jobs. 

Senate Bill 72 – Reduces costs to utility companies due to customers meeting a portion of their energy needs via privately-owned, net metered solar power. This would create a more equitable energy market that benefits ratepayers as well as local utility companies

All of these bills, with the exception of SB165, were vetoed by Gov. Sununu this summer. Override votes are scheduled for September, at which point house and senate members will have the opportunity to vote for a better future for our state by passing pro-solar legislation. 

Contact your rep today and let them know you support these bills. All it takes is a quick email or phone call to make your voice count. 

You can find your rep and their contact info here. 

Solar Fun Facts

New Hampshire receives 30% more sun than Germany, a global leader when it comes to renewable energy with over 1 million solar systems installed. 

The number of solar installers is predicted to increase more than almost any other job over the next seven years, making the solar industry one of the fastest growing sources of employment in the United States. 

The cost of solar panels has dropped by almost 65% over the past decade. 

Planned investments in clean energy are expected to double by 2030, potentially mobilizing an additional $1 trillion in private capital. 

Covering just 1% of New Hampshire with solar panels would be enough to supply the entire state’s energy needs indefinitely. 

solar in the media

  • Backus: Raising NH’s solar standards would yield many economic benefits July 16, 2019
  • A message to Gov. Sununu: It’s time to declare NH open for solar business July 8, 2019
  • Weeks: New Hampshire’s new clean energy consensus April 22, 2019
  • Hitting the cap: Industry, utilities, lawmakers debate changes to renewable energy net metering limits March 3, 2016
  • Fear of job cuts boosts solar program February 22, 2016