New Hampshire Solar Rebates

New Hampshire is generally seen as progressive regarding renewable energy, and in many ways it is. Take the state's renewable portfolio standard, which specifically addresses solar, and the Solar On Schools Program as examples. Not more than a few months ago, we would have to give The Granite State a much more negative review. But the state legislature was busy this summer. Whereas before residential solar incentives were almost completely absent, now, with the signing of just one bill, homeowners can qualify for up to $6,000 in rebates from the state. Not that their work is done by any means, but some big steps have been taken since the start of 2007 and New Hampshire is primed to enter 2009 and what could be the golden age of solar power. In the meantime, here is what homeowners can expect when looking to go solar:

TAX CREDITS

Local Option Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy

• Passive solar space heat, photovoltaic, solar water heat, and active solar space heat are all eligible under this exemption.
• Each local municipality decides whether or not to offer the tax exemption, including the amount of the credit.
• Currently about one-third of NH cities offer the exemption. Visit this website to find a list of participating cities and towns.

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

Renewable Energy Generation Incentive Program

• In July of 2008, the New Hampshire legislature signed into law HB1628, which authorizes the state Public Utilities Commission to make a one-time payment to owners of small renewable energy systems.
• Only solar electric systems are eligible under the state plan (although the PUC penned its own separate but complementary rule that includes solar thermal installation).
• Rebates will be $3/Watt with a maximum of $6,000 or 50% of system cost, whichever is less.
• Eligible systems must be less than 5kW and have begun operation after July 1, 2008.

NET METERING

• New Hampshire requires all utilities in the state to offer net metering.
• There is a 100 kW limit on system size and an enrollment limit of 1% of the utility's peak demand.
• Net excess generation (NEG) is carried over to the customer's next billing cycle without any apparent expiration.

Thanks to the new rebate program, New Hampshire greatly increased its standing in the solar community. As long as funding persists, between the state and federal programs we can expect a decent surge in solar installations in the state. It's good to see New Hampshire taking some additional steps toward energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.

USEFUL LINKS

• New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (OEP)
• Public Utilities Commission
• DSIRE: New Hampshire
• Solar Contractors in New Hampshire