A 16.64-kilowatt rooftop solar array installed at Hanover Town Hall is demonstrating the municipality's commitment to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The grid-tied system includes 52 solar panels and will generate approximately 17,000 hours of clean energy each year. The array will offset 9 tons of carbon pollution annually, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by nearly 10 acres of forests.
In 2017, Hanover became the first " Ready for 100 " town in New Hampshire. The program is a Sierra Club initiative that encourages leaders across the country to commit to 100% renewable energy by the year 2050. The municipality approved an article at its 2017 town meeting which set the community-wide goal of transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and transitioning heating and transportation to run on clean, renewable sources of energy by 2050.
"It is our desire to offset the entire municipal load and develop additional capacity for community solar when regulations are more favorable," according to Peter Kulbacki, Director of Public Works for the Town of Hanover. "Additionally, Hanover is perusing a green power supply option for residents and small businesses as well as helping develop PPA's which could provide our larger users with a long-term green power option with stable rates."
In 2014, Hanover was named the Environmental Protection Agency's first Green Power Community in New Hampshire. Solar energy projects across town include businesses and town residents plus institutions like Dartmouth College where nearly 700 kilowatts of solar arrays have been installed across campus.
