New Hampshire town powers residents with landfill solar farm
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In Derry, New Hampshire, town leaders partnered with Encore Renewable Energy to transform a closed landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar power installation.
The project began with a bidding process in 2021, with Derry’s NetZero Task Force, a volunteer group, selecting Encore from seven developers. The solar array is expected to generate enough electricity to power 500 homes in New Hampshire and save Derry taxpayers approximately $4 million on electricity costs over the next 25 years.
The town chose to build on the landfill because such sites are often already cleared and unsuitable for other development, allowing for productive use of otherwise idle land. Chad Farrell, president of Encore Renewable Energy, explained that the Derry site had ample space, good sunlight, and access to the electrical grid, making it ideal for solar power. This project is part of a growing trend of communities across the United States repurposing landfills and brownfields for clean energy production.
Other examples include projects in Ohio, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, all aimed at generating local power and reducing electricity bills for residents and municipalities. The initiative demonstrates how communities can address climate goals while simultaneously easing financial burdens.
