Opinion

A tax assessment exemption for renewable energy systems

CLAREMONT — The Claremont Energy Advisory Committee has reviewed and endorsed the new city council ordinance for the adoption of a renewable energy system tax exemption. Based on new legislation from the state of New Hampshire, Claremont residents who are interested in purchasing and installing clean energy sources to heat or cool their homes, heat water, or produce electricity will be able to receive an exemption from the assessed value of these improvements due to this program. Applying specifically to solar, wind-power, and wood heating devices, individuals who install qualifying renewable energy systems in their homes and property, must apply for an application at the Assessors office, by April 15, to receive this exemption. 

After the solar panels are purchased and installed, for example, a resident would need to complete the application. A qualified applicant will have no increase in the assessed value of the property due to the installation of the qualifying system. Any newly purchased renewable energy systems that are on the resident’s property on April 1 of any given year would be eligible for exemption in that year’s tax. 

A qualifying renewable energy system must be on the same parcel where it provides energy to a building — household or business. It is not intended for commercial enterprises in the business of generating energy for sale to others.

Steve Hamilton, at the Claremont Assessor’s office, states that the most important feature of this new ordinance is that it is tax neutral — a tax exemption utilized to encourage the desired activity of purchasing a renewable energy system and not for property tax reasons. The definition of renewable energy is a source of energy that is constantly replenished and available, including the sun, wind, moving water, organic plant and waste material (eligible biomass) and the earth’s heat (geothermal). Most of these were among the only sources available to humans around the world until the advent of non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas. These fossil fuels are being depleted from the earth and will eventually disappear. It is imperative that we begin planning for energy efficiency and lower costs for all of our residents.

In 2018, the New Hampshire state energy plan identified our state as having the third highest electric rates in the nation. Clean energy, another name for renewable energy systems, should provide cheaper energy for homeowners in Claremont who utilize the most modern technologies of solar panels, wind turbines, and wood burners.

The Claremont Energy Advisory Committee will be researching and planning for ways the city and community can work together on energy efficiency opportunities. Our goal is that residents save money and conserve energy!

 

The Claremont Energy Committee will be submitting a regular column for the Eagle Times Opinion page. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the Visitor’s Center, 14 North Street. All are welcome.

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