Kearsarge Solar LLC proposes 5MW solar project on Concord's capped landfill

The Concord City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing local renewable energy production by approving a minor site plan application for a solar collection system at the old landfill site on Old Turnpike Road. During the Planning Board meeting on May 21, 2025, the council unanimously agreed to move forward with the project, which is expected to generate 5 megawatts of clean energy.

The project, spearheaded by Kearsarge Solar LLC, aims to utilize a 21.4-acre portion of the 52.9-acre capped landfill. The initiative has been in the works for nearly a decade, with the city selecting Kearsarge Energy to develop the site after a competitive request for proposals. The solar installation will not only contribute to the city’s sustainability goals but also provide financial benefits through lease payments and a net metering agreement.

Beth Fenstermacher, Director of Special Projects for the city, emphasized the importance of this project, noting that it will transform an underutilized parcel of land into a source of local clean energy. The project will adhere to strict regulations due to the landfill's capped status, requiring specific waivers from site plan regulations. These waivers are necessary to ensure that all construction activities remain within the designated lease area.

Rob Bukowski from Weston Sampson, representing Kearsarge, provided details on the construction process, which will involve using precast concrete blocks for the solar panel foundations to avoid compromising the landfill cap. The project has already received preliminary approvals from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and is currently under review for final permits.

The council's approval marks a pivotal moment for Concord as it moves closer to realizing its renewable energy objectives. The solar project is expected to not only enhance the city’s energy portfolio but also serve as a model for future sustainable initiatives. As the project progresses, residents can look forward to the benefits of increased clean energy production and the positive environmental impact it will bring to the community.