Going Solar in Keene

Getting Started with Solar

The City of Keene is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Are you interested in solar for your business?

The Keene Energy and Climate Committee, in partnership with the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, offers a free solar coaching program that connects area businesses interested in powering their operations with solar energy with business leaders who have gone through the process of selecting a solar contractor, installing solar on their own business property, and understanding the benefits to their business. Learn More.

The Benefits of Going Solar

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in New Hampshire, creates local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Solar Maps and Potential

Investigate your property’s solar potential by clicking here. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar

Find a solar contractor(s) to assess your home or business for solar energy and provide a quote.

• Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
• Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.
• Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
• Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.

Additional Information

Consumer Protections, Solar Rights, and Procedures

• Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
• Solar United Neighbors’ Solar Owner’s Manual - serves as a support for solar homeowners whether you’ve just gone solar or you’ve had solar for years. 
• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) – provide state-specific information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States.
• Federal Energy Resource Guide - outlines clean energy incentives available for individuals, businesses, states, municipalities and nonprofit organizations. 
• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Encouraging Solar Development through Community Association Policies and Processes – includes details on how communities can encourage solar development through community association policies and processes.

Get Involved, Stay Informed

The Keene Energy and Climate Committee meets monthly and works on tracking and promoting solar energy systems in the community. View the committee webpage to see their meeting schedule, agendas, and more. Interested in getting involved? Attend the next meeting or submit a volunteer interest form.

Other area groups that work on promoting renewable energy include the Keene Clean Energy Team, a local citizens’ group, the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, a local nonprofit, and Clean Energy New Hampshire, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization. 

Questions? Contact the Community Development Department: (603) 352-5440 or communitydevelopment@keenenh.gov.