Tupelo Music Hall of Derry, NH is the first solar-powered venue of its kind in New England. A 313-panel (100-kilowatt) rooftop solar array was installed by ReVision Energy at the 20,000 square-foot facility in 2018. It will generate 114,000-kilowatt hours per year, enough to offset 100% of the music hall's annual electric load. By cutting over 120,000 pounds of carbon pollution per year, the solar array will significantly advance Tupelo's long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.
"From the time we started construction, one goal of Tupelo Music Hall was to operate the business in a way that minimizes our carbon footprint as much as possible," said Tupelo Owner Scott Hayward. "The use of biodegradable goods, only installing LED lighting, recycling what we can and purchasing the most energy-efficient appliances possible are a few ways we have done this."
From day one, the transition to solar energy is a cash flow-positive arrangement for Tupelo. With financing, Hayward is able to immediately lower his electric costs since solar loan payments will be less than what he has been paying the utility on an annual basis. After a five-year payback period, the array will generate free electricity for decades to come. The array is forecast to save over $750,000 in electric costs over the life of the system.
"ReVision is excited about Tupelo's leadership of the clean energy transition, as one of the top music venues in New England," said Dan Weeks, Director of Market Development at ReVision Energy. "Thanks to advances in solar technology, businesses like Tupelo - and anyone with a sunny roof or lawn - no longer have to choose between saving money and saving the environment. We're thrilled to work with Tupelo as the first music hall we know of in New England to go 100% solar."
