Tin Mountain Renewable Energy Initiative: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Solar power appeals to the rugged individualist in all of us. It can turn a home into a personal power plant by reducing or eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.  However, despite that appeal, less than one percent of American homes tap the sun’s energy.

This is largely because the initial cost of a solar system installation can run well over $10,000 with the financial pay-off taking years to recoup.  After people run the numbers, they usually come to the conclusion that there are more pressing matters in their lives than energy independence.  But, paradoxically, the key to gaining that independence might actually be available right in your home town.

Enter TMREI or Tin Mountain Renewable Energy Initiative; a community solar-barn raising group that helps cut the cost of solar power by capitalizing on people-power.   Founded in the fall of 2010, TMREI is a local branch of a larger organization known as PAREI, the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative, whose mission is “to encourage energy conservation and energy efficiency practices and to promote the use of renewable energy… through education, community building and increasing access to professional energy-related services.”

What that comes down to is connecting enthusiastic novices with generous experts. Together, they donate their time, resources, and knowledge to install solar hot water systems at a fraction of the usual cost to interested parties in the Mount Washington Valley area. It’s a kind of solar energy barn raiser. Using PAREI’s neighbors-helping-neighbors model, TMREI has completed three energy raisers since 2010; meaning 3 homes have significantly reduced their use of fossil fuels.

“I spent one day offering my expertise to make sure that this solar system was installed properly. This is all about educating the public on the extraordinary benefits of solar,” explained Jack Bingham of Seacoast Energy Alternatives who offered discounted materials and volunteered his time on TMREI’s most recent community solar installation.  “When people get together and help with an install than we have solar coming down in cost to a price that more people can afford; it also helps to take the unknown out of these systems which are actually not that complex and incredibly long lasting and durable.”

Bingham offered his services and products to TMREI because he knows that the growth of NH’s solar market depends on affordability, knowledge and accessibility.  The more solar systems up across the state the more people see and understand just how cost effective solar energy can be.

TMREI is run through the Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, New Hampshire. Tin Mountain is a non-profit organization that offers hands-on educational programs to people of any age seeking to better understand the natural world. The conservation center exemplifies the potential of solar energy – a solar hot water system provides 80% of heat and hot water, and 43 photovoltaic panels generate 110% of the buildings energy needs. It was only natural that the conservation center double as the meeting place for TMREI volunteers.

Ted Slader is the third of the recipients of an energy barn raiser. He had a solar hot water system installed this September, and is also one of the founding members of TMREI. After months of planning, 25 volunteers showed up at his home, including carpenters, plumbers, and Bingham as a solar energy expert.

“I was very pleased with the actual skills we had here; it wasn’t just a bunch of well-intending people,” said Slader.  “When you’re putting holes through the roof, you want people who know what they’re doing; it was especially important to have a solar expert helping with us with the install. 

The system was installed in one day, and Slader now enjoys hot water courtesy of the sunlight that naturally hits his home,

“I’ll marvel at it on a rainy or cloudy day, the water still gets up to about 100 degrees. If I get a nice string of sunny days, there’s no need for oil.”

The hardware for Slader’s system came from Seacoast Energy Alternatives (SEA) Solar Store, a Dover, NH business that offers a diverse selection of energy-saving technologies including solar systems. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint beyond large and expensive solar systems, and the conservation-curious consumer can find all of them at SEA Solar Store;  from energy efficient appliances to window quilts – even waterless composting toilets.

It’s obvious that alternative energy is more than a source of income for SEA owner, Jack Bingham.  He’s committed to helping people and communities looking to live a little more responsibly.  SEA is also a member of the Green Alliance, a Portsmouth-based green business union and sustainable consumers’ co-op that, through advocacy, education, and discounts, makes buying green a little easier.  Bingham puts his money where his values are and offers a $250 discount on solar hot water systems to anyone with a Green Alliance membership.

Bingham has been involved with TMREI since its inception a year ago, and personally assisted with the installation at Ted Slader’s home.  “This is a group that facilitates more individuals in a community to engage in solar and to do so at an affordable price.  Organizations like TMREI are a win-win for consumers, green business owners like myself and the planet,” adds Bingham.

Slader paid $6,000 upfront for his new hot water system, but also received a $2,600 rebate from the state and is eligible for a tax credit for 30% of the cost of the system. He estimates that after all the paperwork is done, his out of pocket cost will be only $3,400 – roughly the cost of heating a house with oil for one year; making his new solar system one of the best investments he’s made in a decade.

The TMREI program still has room to grow.  While TMREI volunteers have completed three successful energy raisers, PAREI, it’s parent organization, has completed 140 raisers and counting. With dedicated business owners like Bingham setting the example, it’s only be a matter of time before more see solar energy as a plausible solution to their energy needs.

“No matter how you cut it, you’re paying for energy,” says Bingham. “Either continue to pay the electric or oil companies monthly, or pay for a five year block of hot water upfront and then get 25 years for free,” explains Bingham. “What used to be for the committed environmentalist has become a very realistic and competitive energy solution.” 

To get involved with TMREI, go to www.tinmountain.org

To learn more about the Green Alliance, go to www.greenalliance.biz

Reduce your carbon footprint by visiting the SEA Solar Store at www.seasolarstore.com