Solarize
Powering Hanover Sustainably through Solar
What is Solarize?
Ground Mounted Panel
Sustainable Electricity
Solar panels are a sustainable source of electricity that are increasingly cost competitive with fossil fuels and do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases. To solarize is to own solar panels that meet some or all of your electrical needs.
Most of Hanover’s solar households began their path to making and using clean solar power by signing up with Solarize Hanover.
Rooftop Panels
Partners and Networks
Sustainable Hanover has been simplifying the process for residents to solarize since 2015. We do this by partnering with solar companies that have a track record in Hanover, offer a variety of installation models and help plan for related technologies. We also provide networking opportunities for residents to meet others who have gone solar to get advice and guidance.
Progress
The above map shows solar-powered homes, businesses, Town and College buildings throughout Hanover.
At the close of 2024, Hanover had 6.5 Megawatts of solar capacity community-wide.
Residents accounted for 43% (or 2.8 Megawatts) of this. More than 10 percent of Hanover’s households (336) are drawing some or all of their electrical power from rooftop and ground mounted systems. The average residential system size was 9.4 Kilowatts.
The Town of Hanover installed 8 systems with a combined 2 Megawatt capacity to produce sufficient electricity to equal nearly all of its electrical consumption.
Dartmouth College had 18 systems with a total generating capacity of 1.7 Megawatts.
Why Solarize?
Good for You….
Rooftop Solar
Will Fit Your Needs
There are a variety of solarize options to meet your needs. If the roof of your home has good exposure to the sun and does not need to be replaced anytime soon, you might want to stall solar panels right on your rooftop.
Depending on your site, a fixed ground mounted system or a tracking ground mount system might be preferable.
It might not be feasible to install solar on your property. An additional option is community solar -- sharing ownership of a large array on an independent piece of property. While currently limited, community solar options are poised to increase in the future.
Whatever type of system is best for you, your solar installer will help you size a system that meets your current needs and even accommodates future technologies such as heat pumps, water heaters, chargers for electric vehicles and batteries.
Fixed Ground Mounted
Affordable
Solar systems are a smart investment.
Until the end of 2025, a Federal tax credit will offset the cost of installing a solar system. Ownership fixes this portion of your energy cost for the life of the system, protecting against utility rate hikes subject to unpredictable outside forces.
Studies have shown that solar systems add value to the home. In Hanover, they are exempt from property taxes.
Affordable financing is available through home equity or special solar loans that are custom fit to the timing of the Federal Tax credit. While interest rates are low, monthly loan payments can be similar to what you are already paying to buy electricity from the utility. You can look forward to enjoying free electricity from your system when the loan is repaid.
Ground Mounted Tracker
Support is Available
It can be confusing and take precious time to solarize. We can refer you to installers who represent leading local solar companies with successful track records in Hanover.
In the past, our partners have been ReVision Energy for rooftop and fixed ground mounted systems, and Solaflect for ground mounted solar tracker systems.
We will help clarify expectations, and connect you with neighbors who have already solarized for guidance and support.
Why Solarize?
Good for Your Community …
Solarizing your home will contribute to Hanover’s town-wide goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2030 and inspire others to do the same.
Good for the Planet!
“Doing the right thing” for the environment and climate is one of the top reasons Hanover residents give for going solar. Hear in their own words from owners of rooftop/ground-mounted fixed and ground-mounted tracker systems.
As Climate Scientist Professor Erich Osterberg described in his talk Climate Change and Our Local Communities, there is an urgent and moral obligation for action, as much for our community as for others because “those least responsible for climate change are affected most severely.”
Ready? Here's What to Do.
Provide us with contact information so we can keep you informed about networking opportunities and what to expect during the solarize process.
Ground Mounted Tracker at Richmond Middle School
Did it? Celebrate!
CONGRATULATIONS ON SOLARIZING YOUR HOME!!!
You have now joined many others who have taken similar steps, are actively participating in Hanover’s 100% renewable energy campaign and will inspire others to do the same.