From June 2015 through November 2015, residents of Lebanon and Enfield had the opportunity to participate in a program promoting residential solar called SOLARIZE Lebanon/Enfield. As of January 23, 2017, all solar installations contracted through the program are up and running. The last to come on-line were the systems installed at AVA Gallery and its new sculpture studio.
When the Solarize program began there were already at least 16 installations in the City. Solarize resulted in an additional 27 systems. During and after the Solarize program, 12 more households and businesses independently added solar, bringing the total in Lebanon to 55 known installations.
If you were interested in going solar but weren't able to participate in the Solarize program, there is still a short window of opportunity to take advantage of the current net-metering structure in New Hampshire that provides a 1:1 credit for exported energy against imported energy. This value is in addition to the state rebate and the federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of a system. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is currently considering changes to the terms of net metering that will likely reduce the netting credit to less than 1:1. This could happen anytime between April and June. It is not yet known what the exact timing will be.
If you are still considering a solar installation, you should get a complete net-metering interconnection application to your electric utility company soon. You may need a qualified solar installer to design and price a system for you and help you complete an application. Submitting a timely application will put you in the queue for the current net-metering terms that will be grandfathered when new terms or tariffs go into effect. Once approved, you will have one year to complete the installation of a system. After that point, you will no longer be eligible for current tariffs but will be subject to the new terms and tariffs.
If you have any questions regarding residential solar installations, please contact an installer of your choice. View a list of installers compiled by Vital Communities (PDF). For a glimpse of what some of these installations look like, visit https://lebenergy.wordpress.com
Information provided courtesy of Lorraine Kelly, Solarize Lebanon/Enfield Team of Volunteers and member of the Lebanon Energy Advisory Committee.