Peacham, Vermont, a small town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, is gearing up to celebrate the arrival of Peacham Community Solar. Although the solar installation may be smaller in size compared to other community solar projects, its impact on the local community is significant. With a population of 731, Peacham is a farming community where families have worked the land for generations. The residents have recognized the importance of addressing climate change and decided to build a community solar facility in the town.
One of the challenges the group faced was finding a suitable location for the solar array. Frank Miller, a local resident whose family has owned a farm in Peacham for generations, offered to allocate a half-acre strip of land on his property for the project. Miller, who previously worked in the oil and gas industry, is passionate about environmental changes and believes that renewable energy solutions are crucial.
The town had to navigate the process of obtaining approvals from various agencies, including the local utility and state approval agencies. The Northeast Vermont Development Agency (NVDA) ensured that the array was located on a preferred site that would not disrupt prime agricultural lands or wildlife habitats, and would have minimal visual impact on the community. The project also had to align with existing regional and local energy plans.
Fortunately, there was available transmission capacity on Green Mountain Power’s existing electrical supply line near Frank Miller’s farm, simplifying the connection of the solar array to the local grid. The impact on farming in the area is expected to be minimal, with about 90% of the field where the array is located still being used by local hay farmers. Additionally, pollinator plants and bee/butterfly-friendly habitats will be planted alongside the solar array by the non-profit group Bee the Change.
Benefits of Peacham Community Solar
Peacham Community Solar has already started generating renewable energy and provides benefits to local households, farms, and businesses. The town of Peacham itself is a long-term participant in the project through a power purchase agreement, receiving discounted electricity for its public facilities.
Unlike rooftop solar systems, community solar installations allow homeowners to benefit from solar power even if their roofs are unsuitable for solar. Renters also have the opportunity to participate, expanding access to clean energy. Subscribers to Peacham Community Solar pay a reservation fee that covers maintenance, repairs, and insurance. They also enjoy a guaranteed rate for electricity that is insulated from the increasing rates charged by utility companies.
The shares in Peacham Community Solar are priced at $2,850 per 1 kW unit. Subscribers can sign up for multiple shares until all 150 shares are taken. The federal 30% tax credit is applicable to subscribers, reducing the net cost of clean energy. However, some subscribers on fixed incomes may face limitations in fully utilizing the tax credit.
A subscription to Peacham Community Solar is seen as a hedge against inflation, as utility rates are expected to rise over time. Green Mountain Power, for instance, forecasted near-term annual rate increases of 2.72% before the pandemic. Another advantage of participating in a community solar project is the ability to transfer membership to other places served by Green Mountain Power in Vermont, offering flexibility to subscribers.
Developing Peacham Community Solar
Peacham Community Solar was developed by Wolfe Energy, a Vermont solar company owned by Dori Wolfe. The company has experience in the solar industry and was also involved in developing a larger 7 MW project and a rooftop solar array installation in the Peacham elementary school. iSun Solar was selected as the contractor for constructing the solar array through a competitive bidding process.
Peacham Community Solar is a testament to the power of a dedicated group of individuals committed to making a positive change in their community. It not only brings clean energy to the town but also represents a shift towards local control and democratization of electricity generation. Through community solar, Peacham residents can enjoy the benefits of locally generated energy that supports their community.
