Derry, New Hampshire, has turned a retired landfill into an energy source. A 2.25-megawatt solar project at the site is now operating, and Encore Renewable Energy says it could cut taxpayer-funded electricity costs by about $4 million over the next 25 years.

Here's what to know

Built on a closed, capped municipal landfill, the installation is already generating power, Solar Power World Online reported. Encore Renewable Energy developed the project.

"Landfills like this one are often untapped resources in the clean energy transition," said Chad Farrell, founder and president of Encore Renewable Energy.

The push for the project began with the all-volunteer Derry NetZero Task Force, which spent six years working on the plan, measuring energy use in 40 town and school buildings and building support for the needed state legislative action. 

More background

Derry's solar field traces back as much to a local political goal as to an engineering one. Jeff Moulton, chair of the Derry NetZero Task Force, said the effort was backed by the Derry Town Council under the leadership of Josh Bourdon. "The Derry Town Council set forth an aggressive goal of being net zero by 2025 but with a caveat of saving money for the residents of Derry."

Moulton said, "I am pleased to have led a dedicated group of volunteers who were able to put together a design and project that will provide 100% of the town's electricity needs for the next 25 years, while saving the town $5-10 million over the life of the project."

Farrell said the project gives a site with limited post-closure options a productive new purpose while delivering "cost savings and increased energy security for local Eversource NH ratepayers."

What's being done?

The Town of Derry selected Encore in 2021 after a competitive bidding process involving seven firms.

Farrell said, "Rather than continuing to sit idle, this property will now be generating power for the local community, offering both cost savings and increased energy security for local Eversource NH ratepayers. This project shows what's possible when a community looks at land it already owns in a new way."

For homeowners who want Derry-style savings, EnergySage's solar map shows average system costs by state and solar panel incentives, helping people get the best price for rooftop panels and access available incentives. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. 

Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.

Where can I learn more?

Derry isn't the only place putting hard-to-use land to work for solar while aiming to lower electricity costs.

• In Mansfield, Ohio, officials greenlit solar farms on old landfills while seeking local power buyers.

• In Rivesville, West Virginia, companies are turning a coal ash landfill into a solar farm.

• At Martha's Vineyard Hospital, a solar expansion could save island households $550,000 on power.

• New Hampshire signed plug-in solar into law, blocking utilities from demanding fees or approval.

• In Illinois, park districts are getting solar projects at no cost to taxpayers.

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