Bow Energy Committee organizes events to promote discussions on clean energy

Climate change poses a significant threat to New Hampshire residents with changing precipitation patterns and abnormal temperatures, and local energy committees are engaging residents in discussions about the crisis.

As part of its goal of creating an energy-conscious community, the Bow Energy Committee is hosting a series of events this fall. An Energy Home Tour on Saturday will give participants an opportunity to meet with homeowners who have installed energy-efficient upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. Homeowners will share firsthand experiences of their energy and environmentally friendly improvements.

Jessica Dunbar, the chairperson of the Bow Energy Committee, has always been concerned about the environment. To reduce her environmental impact, she uses solar power and a heat pump.

 The tour, according to Dunbar, is an innovative precursor to the NH Home Energy Expo, which the Bow Energy Committee will co-organize with the Dunbarton Energy Committee.

“I believe that personal interaction with someone you know, or who is from your community or workplace, is more meaningful, helpful, and powerful than leaving people to figure it out by looking online or calling a business,” Dunbar said.

While the tour provides participants with a personal perspective, the expo allows them to delve deeper into the technical and financial aspects of installing energy-efficient models in their homes. The expo will be held at Noyes Community Center on Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with businesses and nonprofits providing information on weatherization, rebates, and energy policy, among other topics. Educational workshops will also be held.

The upfront cost of setting up solar energy systems is a significant barrier, and the lack of statewide solar tax exemption exacerbates the situation. There are, however, some state incentives for residents who install solar panels, such as net metering.

“I absolutely think there needs to be more support state from the state. This [installing solar panels] is a huge burden for people and it needs to be as easy as possible,” Dunbar said.

Going forward, the committee plans to engage high school students and collaborate with neighboring towns on clean energy initiatives.