Solar Energy in Keene
In 2019, the Keene City Council adopted a resolution to transition the entire community to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2050. In order to track the community’s progress, the Energy and Climate Committee tracks solar installations in Keene using data provided by the local electric utility (Eversource). Learn more about the City’s energy goals.
As of the end of 2024, there were 278 residential solar PV systems and 44 commercial and industrial solar PV systems installed in the City of Keene, representing a total installed capacity of 6,115.1 kilowatts (AC).
Municipal Solar Projects
In addition to residential and commercial solar, the City of Keene generates over 2.4 million kWh of solar electricity each year – enough to offset a majority of the City’s total municipal electric needs. For example, the City installed a 1.36 MW, ground-mounted solar array at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and a 643.2 kW roof-mounted system on the municipal complex located at 350-400 Marlboro Street.
Local Solar Projects
The Keene Clean Energy Team created a “Keene Solar Tour” that highlights 32 installations around the city, including homes, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, and municipal buildings. Learn more, start the virtual tour, or take the walking tour. In addition, see below for case studies that provide an overview of three solar energy systems installed by local Keene businesses.
Unity Homes: 258 kW solar PV array
Paragon Digital Marketing: 34 kW solar PV array
Filtrine Manufacturing: 793 kW solar PV array
Solar Installations in Keene
The following table includes data provided by Eversource regarding the number of interconnected solar energy systems installed in Keene from 2009 through the end of calendar year 2024.
| Year Installed | Residential Count | kW (AC) | Commercial/Industrial Count | kW (AC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 10.1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2010 | 4 | 18.9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 3.5 | 1 | 10 |
| 2012 | 3 | 13.3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 3 | 13.7 | 3 | 169.09 |
| 2014 | 3 | 17.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 6 | 27.6 | 1 | 18 |
| 2016 | 15 | 95.5 | 6 | 583.5 |
| 2017 | 16 | 98.6 | 3 | 31.65 |
| 2018 | 7 | 57.0 | 6 | 804.63 |
| 2019 | 32 | 230.2 | 8 | 1116.3 |
| 2020 | 23 | 151.4 | 5 | 233.4 |
| 2021 | 17 | 3.8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 26 | 200.2 | 3 | 1152.6 |
| 2023 | 70 | 505.9 | 5 | 170.9 |
| 2024 | 49 | 348.9 | 1 | 27.3 |
| TOTAL | 278 | 1,795.7 | 44 | 4319.37 |