Last fall I went to the New Ipswich town offices to see what the assessment was on my solar system.  During a conversation I was told by an employee of the town that “solar systems can only be afforded by rich people.”  I was shocked by her lack of understanding concerning  the finances behind solar and why some residents have chosen to put solar on their properties.  Even though the motivation for my solar installation was covered by the Ledger-Transcript in July of 2015, I feel an additional explanation is in order to clear the air about the financing and reasons for solar.   

In April of 2015 I learned that Kinder Morgan was proposing a 41” high pressure gas pipe line  to pass through New Ipswich with the largest compressor station east of the Mississippi to be located next to our farm.  After exhaustive research about the negatives of fracked gas I felt my best option was to install a solar PV system on our property that would not only make me feel better about finding an alternative to fossil based energy but also set an example to the public of an alternative energy system.  In May of 2015 I attended the GreenerPeterborough Festival and visited the Southpack Solar booth and learned about the feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems.  On July 5 of the same year a group of volunteers led by Greg Blake of Southpack Solar installed 22 panels on our garage in five hours.  Two weeks later we were pumping electrons into the Eversource Grid and our farm became decidedly Net Energy Positive, producing about 65% more power than it consumed.  Two of the volunteers subsequently installed PV systems on their property and our example is spawning several more installs this year.

Financing a system can be done in two ways.  First it can be done at zero cost to the consumer.  This can be facilitated by companies such as Solar City, Sunrun, or Vivent with a PPA (power purchase agreement)  where the company assumes all cost for components, installation, and maintenance.  The homeowner receives a substantial discount on electricity.  Second, one can invest in the components and thereby receive federal and state grants, enjoy “free” electricity, and even sell surplus kilowatts to Eversource.  Both methods have become viable due to the fact that components have halved in price in the last five years and they will continue to be more efficient and  cheaper. Not only is solar affordable now, but it has become a viable economic alternative to fossil based energy systems.

Reducing carbon footprint is critical to the future of our planet.  Most towns in New Hampshire recognize this and either reward solar or at the least do not tax it.  There are 234 towns and cities in New Hampshire,  193 exempt 100% of the value of solar or choose not to tax it at all.  Since 2011 only 6 NH towns have enacted a solar exemption at less than 100% of the system’s assessed value. 

We who have chosen to invest in solar power have done so for the health of planet  earth, for the health of our children, both living and those on the way.  If this warrant article does not pass then we will be punished instead of being rewarded for promoting alternative energy systems.  The solar tax makes no sense.  Plain and simple, it is an additional punitive tax.  What will be taxed next:  gardens, home maintenance,  pastoral settings, horses, house hold pets?  Promotion of alternative energy by New Ipswich is a win win for all. Please voters, vote to accept  Article 22.

Steve Riggs lives in New Ipswich.