In an effort to keep the ball rolling in the alternative energy movement, Kearsarge Climate Action and the New London Energy Committee are sponsoring a series of “Solarize Kearsarge” events, the first one happening very soon.
On Wednesday, April 28 at noon, experts from ReVision Energy will offer an online presentation about rooftop and backyard solar, storage batteries, mini-split heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging. If you wish to be included, e-mail KearsargeClimate@nullgmail.com for a Zoom invitation.
They are also scheduling webinars with Granite State Solar and 603 Solar in May, at least one to occur during evening hours.
Right now, solar and batteries are eligible for a 25% federal tax credit, and mini-splits get a sizable rebate from NHSaves. Yes, tax credits are also available on many electric vehicles as well. If you’re truly interested in reducing carbon emissions and think one of these programs might get you started, e-mail now for more information. In the meantime, read on to learn about two more local experiences in the solarize/weatherize realm.
Nancy Teach on Cilleyville Road took advantage of volume discount pricing in the 2019 program and had 19 panels installed, which would offset 113% of the historical electrical usage. The total cost was $17,613, but with a federal tax credit of $5,283.90 and a $1,000 rebate from the state PUC, her net cost was reduced to $11,329.10. The warranties on the panels and inverters are for 25 years, while the workmanship by Granite State Solar is warranted for 12 years.
Now look at the power bills from NHEC. In 2019, the monthly average was $59.57 and in 2020 it was $31.88. These figures represent a significant savings from the 2018 monthly average of $96.83. For more detailed information on usage and equipment, check out the November 2019 issue of Green Energy Times.
Lori Lai Cox of East Andover went one step further, by solarizing and weatherizing, and just so you know, she says that in retrospect she’d have done the weatherization project first.
After having several trees removed, Lori had her panels installed in 2015. The cost for 22 panels was $21,312 after the NHEC rebate, and she also received a significant federal tax credit. ReVision provided financing at that time.
Mini-split heat pumps were installed in 2016, providing not only heat but that delicious coolness during the hot and humid summer spells. For the past three years, the electric bill has been between $700 and $900 – yes, that’s per year.
Quality Insulation of Meredith provided the weatherization to the house in late spring, 2019. In 2019, she used 960 gallons of oil, while in 2020 it was only 760. By early March of 2021, it was down to 425 gallons, with the worst of the winter gone by.
Vital Communities of Vermont, which services towns as far east as Andover with solarize and weatherize information, programs, and sponsorship, publishes a one-page guide for realtors to have available for home buyers. The following two “facts” headline the page. In northern New England, energy costs are second only to mortgage, taxes, and insurance. And in most homes, especially in older ones, cost-effective air-sealing and insulation upgrades can actually lower heating bills and make your house more comfortable all year round.
Get started now! Contact KearsargeClimate@nullgmail.com, NHSaves.com, your electric company, or Info@nullVitalCommunities.org.