New Hampshire is located in the extreme northeast corner of New England, USA. Known for its picturesque towns and swathes of wilderness, New Hampshire is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and resources. The White Mountain National Forest and The Appalachian Trail are some of the most remarkable landscapes of New Hampshire.
Also known as the Granite State, New Hampshire has considerable potential for energy generation through photovoltaic technology. Solar insolation in New Hampshire is 33% more than in Germany, which is the leading country in terms of solar power. In New Hamsphire, the generation potential for solar energy reaches its peak during the sunny fall and spring when the sunshine is in abundance but the temperatures are not too high to be counterproductive.
New Hampshire has been a slow starter when it comes to tapping its potential for solar energy. However, the solar industry is now progressing at a rapid speed. Declining costs of solar equipment, a strong RPS, a commendable net metering program, and multiple financing options make solar power an attractive and feasible proposition for businesses and industries in New Hampshire. The cost per watt of solar panel installation in New Hampshire lies in the range of $2.65 to $3.59.
New Hampshire has tremendous potential for rooftop solar generation. 5,300 MW of solar panels can be installed on the rooftops which can generate enough power to meet up to 53% electricity needs of the state. In 2022, the state’s largest municipal solar array was installed in Manchester, an important city in New Hampshire. The solar array expands over an area of 12 acres, comprises 8,000 solar panels, has a generation capacity of 3.8 million kilowatt-hours, and will offset 2,700 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide on an annual basis.
Solar Friendly Legislation in New Hampshire
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
According to the RPS of New Hampshire, by 2025, utilities must procure 25% of electricity from renewable sources of energy. The share of solar energy is capped at 0.3%.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
According to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, businesses can claim up to 22% of the cost of solar installation from their federal taxes.
The following statistics reveal a more comprehensive picture of the state of solar energy in New Hampshire:
- Solar Installed (MW): 164.8
- National Ranking: 40th (36th in 2021)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 1.18%
- Solar Jobs: 985
- Solar Companies in State: 55 (15 Manufacturers, 20
- Installers/Developers, 20 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 406 million
- Prices have fallen 4% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 427 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 42nd)
- Number Of Installations: 10,779
Need for Solar Panel Recycling Solutions in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is making multiple efforts to tap its true potential for solar generation. Ambitious targets and solar-friendly legislation have put New Hampshire on a path to achieving energy sufficiency through the use of solar energy.
However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning of solar systems or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in New Hampshire, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale New Hampshire solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight