Ameresco, a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and the City of Somersworth have inaugurated a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at the Somersworth landfill in New Hampshire.
“This is another example of Somersworth’s drive to continue its efforts to stand alongside our sister Communities in striving to improve upon our collective movement towards a greener, cleaner future," said Somersworth Mayor Matt Gerding.
The solar PV project, with a capacity of 2,577 kW-DC / 1,992 kW-AC, is expected to generate 3,523,443 kWh in its first year, equating to over 67 million kWh over the next 20 years.
The production is expected to avoid 2,461 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to the annual electricity use of 486 homes, the removal of 586 gas-powered cars from the road, or the carbon sequestered by 2,874 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
The energy produced by the project will be sold to the City of Somersworth under the state’s group net metering program. The project will pay the City a lease and a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).
“We’re proud to partner with the City of Somersworth on this innovative landfill solar project. This initiative demonstrates the potential of repurposing land for renewable energy and enhancing landfills to become more sustainable," said Jon Mancini, SVP of Ameresco.
The project has received the necessary permits and approvals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES), and construction is expected to start in mid-to-late August 2024.
