Plymouth Area Renewable Energy79 Highland Street , Plymouth, New Hampshire, United States

In response to a concern about the overuse of fossil fuels, the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI) was formed in 2004 to encourage community members to embrace energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy one family and one building at a time. Over the years PAREI has worked closely with members to develop innovative programs, stay up to date on the latest energy saving technology, identify resources and offer services to help the Plymouth region act on their energy goals. The Initiative takes a pragmatic approach encouraging people to prepare for their energy future as they would their financial future. We use the motto: “Get Energized! Plan Now for Your Energy Future” .  PAREI started with a small group of concerned citizens after the realization that little planning was being done to prepare our country and local communities for a time when energy would be at a higher price and harder to get. Less than 10 determined volunteers began meeting in 2003 and created a plan for addressing this crucial issue. PAREI officially became a non-profit organization in February of 2004.  PAREI’s membership is based in the communities from Sanbornton north to Thornton, west to Warren and east to the Meredith and Sandwich region. Since, November of 2003, we have moved from informal meetings to an organization of over 700 families and businesses. Today, PAREI is staffed by a director, office manager, bookkeeper, several core volunteers, and a part time solar crew that assists with solar PV installations, solar monitoring systems and solar water heating repairs. We are governed by a board of seven dedicated and talented individuals. We have inspired new groups to start up around the state such as the Seacoast Area Renewable Energy Initiative, Tin Mountain Renewable Energy Initiative and the Hillsborough Area Renewable Energy Initiative.  PAREI offers a full range of services to members and works with energy professionals, clean energy advocates, plumbers, electricians, utilities, solar installers, solar suppliers and contractors to increase our members access to educational programming and renewable energy/weatherization services. We work with local non-profit organizations to assist them in making their buildings more energy efficient. We seek out grants, state and federal programs and contracts to bring new services to our community. We started up an innovative on-line farmers’ market to reduce the miles our food travels from farm to plate (Local Foods Plymouth) and a community solar program that provides low income families access to solar energy (NH Solar Shares). All in all, thousands of hours have been spent working together as members, staff and board to reduce our community’s energy consumption and produce local clean renewable energy….making a more sustainable and secure communty for us all.

Solar PV Installations

PAREI has a small solar installation crew that offers solar PV installations for residential buildings and local non-profit organizations. (PAREI refers members to local plumbers and electricians for such things as a new energy efficient water heating system, heat pumps, lighting, electric car charger, air sealing and insulating etc.)  The first step to installing a solar PV system is to become a member and check off “Solar Site Visit”. From there we will work closely with you on creating an estimate for the project, submitting rebate approval applications and seeing the installation through from start to finish. PAREI does not provide solar PV installation services to commercial businesses or municipalities but can assist with solar energy design.

Home Energy Savings Consultation 

PAREI staff offer members the opportunity for an in-office meeting to review resources to assist you with developing a home energy saving plan. This includes reviewing the energy efficiency programs offered by NH Electric Cooperative and the current federal tax credit opportunities that can help bring down the cost of insulating your home and upgrading to energy efficient equipment and appliances. Members can check off Home Energy Saving Consultation when becoming a new or renewing member or call the PAREI office at anytime to arrange a meeting time.

Solar Site Visit   

A solar site visit is the first step to installing solar PV (electric) on your home; this visit will generate a solar shading analysis report. This report is used to determine your solar resource factor for your property and qualification for NH’s solar cash rebate programs. This visit includes reviewing your annual electricity use, learning about your utility’s net-metering program and discussing the cost and benefits of solar energy. As a member you can schedule a free Solar Site Visit by checking the box on the new or renewing membership form or by calling the office.

Energy Consultation and Project Coordination

PAREI stands ready to help walk you through your energy efficiency project for existing buildings or new home construction. PAREI will bring together local resources to help you plan your energy project and provide funding suggestions.

Energy Advisors

PAREI volunteers willing to share their experience/research are available to PAREI members seeking energy related information, new home construction tips and sustainable living ideas. Members open their homes to help neighbors learn first hand about how to insulate a basement, an outside wood boiler, green building products, a homemade solar air circulator, greenhouse, chicken coup, composting toilet or a solar water heater. PAREI will connect you with a fellow member to learn first hand from others. Tell us about the information you are seeking and we’ll find the right person to meet with you at their home. E-mail sandra@plymouthenergy.org  We’ll be back in touch soon with some options! 

Home Energy Audits

PAREI will work with you to determine whether you are eligible for a home energy audit through the NH utilities’ Home Performance with Energy Star Program. For an additional fee, PAREI can arrange for an energy auditor to conduct a house walk through and blower door test that will reveal areas of your home that needs air sealing and insulation improvements. 

Solar Water Heating Repairs

From 2005 to 2014, PAREI members installed over 250 Apricus solar water heating systems around the Plymouth region. The majority of these systems were installed through PAREI’s neighbor helping neighbor Solar Energy Raiser program. PAREI is committed to helping members keep their systems up and running. PAREI keeps controllers, tubes, heat pipes, glycol and other small parts in stock to keep these systems running. If your Apricus is in need of repair or you would like us to conduct a system check-up, please e-mail Paul Nanian, PAREI Solar Assistant at paul@plymouthenergy