Keene Housing expands solar energy efforts with new installations in Monadnock Region
The nonprofit and ReVision Energy expand renewable energy portfolio with new solar panels across five properties in the Monadnock Region
Keene Housing expands solar energy efforts with new installations in Monadnock Region
The nonprofit and ReVision Energy expand renewable energy portfolio with new solar panels across five properties in the Monadnock Region
Keene Housing, in collaboration with ReVision Energy, has announced a major expansion of its renewable energy portfolio with the installation of 702 new solar panels across five properties in the Monadnock Region. The 281-kilowatt solar project will generate over 300,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, contributing to Keene Housing’s goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2035.
The new panels have been installed at Evergreen Knoll in Swanzey, and Stone Arch Village and Ash Brook Apartments in Keene. The installations mark another significant milestone in Keene Housing’s ongoing effort to lower utility costs, reduce its environmental impact and invest in sustainable infrastructure for its residents.
“By investing in solar at our properties, we’re lowering costs, reducing our environmental footprint, and ensuring the people we serve benefit directly from renewable energy,” said Josh Meehan, executive director of Keene Housing. “Every dollar saved on electric bills can be reinvested into resident services, property improvements and the development of new affordable housing. These projects bring us closer to our goal of relying 100% on renewable energy by 2035. We’re grateful for our partnership with ReVision Energy, whose expertise and shared values help make projects like these possible.”
The project was made possible through a creative financing strategy developed in partnership with ReVision Energy. Funding support included grants from the New Hampshire Department of Energy’s Low-Income Community Solar program and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority’s NAME program. Additionally, the project received a Low-Income Bonus federal tax credit through a nationally competitive program under the Inflation Reduction Act.
“Through its investment in solar energy, Keene Housing continues to lead with purpose — advancing both environmental stewardship and its unwavering dedication to the communities it serves,” said Mark Zankel, director of community solar at ReVision Energy. “Their partnership with ReVision Energy — rooted in shared values — creates a powerful force for progress and sustainability in New Hampshire.”
Since beginning its solar initiatives in 2018, Keene Housing has installed more than 700 kilowatts of solar capacity across its properties. These installations produce approximately 772,683 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, saving the organization over $100,000 in electric costs and offsetting around 350 tons of carbon emissions each year.
The latest solar expansion is projected to save Keene Housing more than $1.8 million over the lifetime of the new solar arrays.
Keene Housing’s renewable energy efforts align with the Keene City Council’s resolution encouraging the city and its residents to generate 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. This collaboration between local organizations, state agencies and federal programs reflects a growing commitment to sustainability, affordability and climate action in the region.
