By Evan Weaver, Norwich Solar
Valley News Forum
Sunday, September 29, 2019
It’s no secret that renewable energy projects produce substantial environmental benefits for all and that these projects, especially solar, also represent tremendous economic benefit and business opportunity.
The policymakers in other New England states realize this, and they have enacted regulations calling for more renewables so that their residents benefit environmentally and financially. However, New Hampshire lags behind.
Obstruction of solar business growth through Gov. Chris Sununu’s veto of HB 365, a measure that would have raised the cap on solar net metering projects from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts, and the Legislature’s failure to override that veto, goes against the demonstrated will of New Hampshire voters. Granite Staters deserve better from their representatives.
The kilowatt-hours generated by solar projects in other states have a monetary value that is 30% to 40% more than comparable projects in New Hampshire. More favorable economics for these projects in neighboring states pushes the companies that build them to do business there, instead of here, meaning that we are missing out on both environmental and economic value.
I was born, raised and educated in New Hampshire. Now, after returning from military service, I live in New Hampshire and work as a project manager for White River Junction-based Norwich Solar, which builds projects in New Hampshire and Vermont.
