Pine Gate Cooperative partners with New Hampshire for community solar project funding

A new community solar project in Plymouth is set to benefit local households by providing monthly electricity bill reductions. During the Plymouth Planning Board meeting on April 17, 2025, officials discussed the details of the initiative, which is backed by a $400,000 grant from the New Hampshire Department of Energy aimed at low and moderate-income residents.

The project, developed by Pine Gate Cooperative, will allow participating households to receive credits based on the electricity generated by solar panels installed on a designated parcel of land. This energy will feed back into the grid, with a portion of the generated electricity sold to the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. Unlike traditional utilities, the cooperative does not provide on-bill credits, but instead compensates Pine Gate for the electricity produced.

Each household that opts into the program will see a reduction in their monthly bills, translating to direct savings for residents. The solar array is designed to serve the 32 homes in the area, creating a sustainable energy model that not only supports local residents but also contributes to broader energy goals.

As the project moves forward, the ownership of the solar array will transfer from Barrington Power to Pine Gate Cooperative at no upfront cost to its members. This innovative approach to community solar is part of a growing trend in New Hampshire, aiming to enhance energy accessibility and affordability for residents.