Exec. Council to vote on solar

On Wednesday, July 22 the Executive Council will vote on whether or not to approve a grant for a large solar panel installation in Manchester.

The roughly $1 million grant would come from the state Renewable Energy Fund.  Electricity providers pay into the Renewable Energy Fund when they do not purchase enough electricity from renewable sources, according to quotas written in state law.

Private companies would build the solar installation at the site of a Manchester landfill.  In return the city has agreed to buy electricity from the installation at a low, fixed rate for twenty years.  The city would also receive an annual tax payment from the installation.

Supporters of the grant argue that the installation will decrease the city's electricity bills while helping the environment.

Opponents of the grant argue that the proposal is motivated by state and federal incentives, and solar energy is not a wise investment for New Hampshire taxpayers.

Others oppose the creation and operation of the Renewable Energy Fund overall, which they say amounts to a hidden tax on New Hampshire ratepayers.

Many other New Hampshire communities are interested in state grants for solar panels, and they are closely watching the Executive Council vote on the Manchester grant.