Solarize Pop Quiz
Have you been keeping track of all the solar activity in Hanover? All told, solar systems in Hanover represent more than 5 megawatts of solar capacity. This includes 300 households that are using electricity generated by local PV panels. The Town’s rooftop and ground mounted panels meet just about all of its current municipal electricity needs. Dartmouth College has 16 systems, and more are on their way. How much do you know about all these renewable energy systems? Take this quiz for your Solarize IQ status!
1. The first PV panels registered in Hanover were installed by a resident on a Lyme Road property. When did this happen?
a.2005
b.2008
c.2012
d.2015
2. Do you know which street in Hanover has the most residential solar systems? (Hint: PV panels are not always visible from the road.)
a. Carriage Lane
b. Dogford Road
c. Hanover Center Road
d. Lyme Road
3. Which of these sectors account for the biggest share of Hanover’s solar generation?
a. Businesses and nonprofits
b. Dartmouth College
c. Residents
d.Town of Hanover
4. Who is responsible for the largest PV system in Hanover?
a. Businesses and nonprofits
b. Dartmouth College
c. Residents
d.Town of Hanover
5. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 restored a 30% federal solar tax credit which now covers more expenses than ever. Which of these are covered by the IRA program?
a. Battery Storage
b. On-site preparation
c. Permitting and inspection fees
d. PV panels, interverters, wiring
6. Solar installers have noticed Hanover’s high interest in solar. A record number of solar companies now offer their services to Hanover consumers. How many solar companies have experience installing permitted pv systems in our community?
a. 4
b. 7
c. 12
d. 17
Answers:
1.(a) 2005. These 18 year old panels are still producing electricity for their owner!
2.(c) Hanover Center Road. The other streets named are close contenders!
3.(c) Residents have led the way from the beginning. The Town is second. Dartmouth is third but with plans that will likely move them to a higher level soon.
4.(d) The Town installed two large ground arrays on Grasse Road. These are the two biggest solar systems in Hanover.
5.(a), (b), (c), and (d) are all correct! And batteries are eligible when installed to work with a pre-existing PV system. (NOTE – check with your tax advisor to confirm tax credits for the system you are planning.)
6.(d) There are 17 solar companies identified through the town permitting system. Email Sustainable Hanover if you would like the list. Please note this is NOT a vetted list. We have partnered with long-time local companies on past Solarize campaigns. We do not know the companies that are new to our area. We always recommend interviewing and getting quotes and local references from at least 3 companies.
How did you do?
●5 to 6 right? You are a Solarize genius!
●3 to 4 right? You have good solar awareness!
●2 or fewer? No worries! The Sustainable Hanover Newsletter is a great way to keep up!
