Grants for Community Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Projects Providing Direct Benefits to Low and Moderate Income Residential Electric Customers

The New Hampshire Department of Energy is offering grants totaling 500,000 dollars for community solar photovoltaic projects designed to provide direct benefits to low and moderate income residential electric customers. Projects must be physically located within New Hampshire, including the grid interconnection point, and are ineligible if they are located within or serve customers of a municipal electric utility. Successful grantees must ensure projects are operational within 24 months of approval by the Governor and Executive Council. The scope of work requires a detailed project plan, itemized financial documentation, a comprehensive management approach for identifying and enrolling low and moderate income participants, and an evaluation of net annual benefits over the first 10 years of operation. Technical specifications require the use of optimal energy modeling, such as Solar Pathfinder, and the provision of labor, equipment, and inverter replacement warranties. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale through a multi-step process involving screening, preliminary evaluation by department staff, a Commissioner's review, and final approval by the Governor and Executive Council. Applicants must submit searchable PDF proposals via email by January 7, 2027, including a letter of transmittal, a project summary sheet, and resumes for key personnel. Required certifications for award include a Secretary of State’s Office Certificate of Good Standing, a Certificate of Vote/Authority, a Certificate of Insurance, and proof of workers' compensation compliance. All proposers must explicitly agree to comply with Form G-1 requirements and register as vendors with the State of New Hampshire.