When the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI) began as a fledgling organization in 2004, the goal was to pull together a group of like-minded people – people who cared about the environment, about climate and who cared about oil as a potential finite resource – and begin thinking about renewable energy. In those days, with none to very few businesses in New Hampshire installing residential solar panels, this small group of Plymouth State College alumni decided to teach themselves. 

“Solar water heating systems were easier to install than photovoltaic panels, so we taught ourselves how to do that first,” said Sandra Jones, who co-founded PAREI with long-time friend Peter Adams of Campton. “We dubbed this process the ‘Energy Raiser’ (much like the Amish Barn Raising) and it caught the attention of solar energy enthusiasts throughout the region.”  

Fast forward to 2026.  

Denise Hutchins is the Executive Director of the non-profit. Its mission is to build resilient communities in central New Hampshire by increasing access to sustainable local energy and local food — supporting economic stability, a cleaner environment and healthier living. PAREI’s solar arrays in Plymouth, Warren and Center Harbor are dedicated to producing community energy for its NH Solar Shares program. Since 2017, Hutchins said, PAREI has partnered with the Co-op so that the power produced by the arrays gives electric bill credits to low-income people in these Co-op service areas. The Co-op has provided nearly $47,000 in electric bill solar credits for local, low-income families to date.   

“The impetus was that we wanted to make sure that everyone could have access to solar in some way, shape or form. Being able to give back to the community for those that needed it most was really the idea behind building the Solar Shares community arrays,” Hutchins said. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors while helping our environment.”  

And now, PAREI, continuing to partner with the Co-op, is hoping to do more for the community.  

PAREI has a waiting list of local families wanting to be part of the program; that’s why they are looking to expand the Plymouth array. Arrays receive funding in different ways, including grants and private donations. The Plymouth expansion, which is about $10,000 shy of their fundraising goal, has received $9,000 in private donations, as well as a $40,563 grant from the New Hampshire Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Fund for LMI (Low-Moderate Income) Community Solar Projects. 

Currently there are 31 families who realize a consistent reduction in their bills from the energy produced. As part of the program, PAREI hosts Meet Ups with the participants who also share practical tips about conserving energy and things they have put into action at their own homes.  

“Folks living on a low budget know how to save energy like no other and we can learn a lot from them,” Jones said. “They too are concerned about the environment like many of us.” 

While people use clotheslines or turn off extra lights to reduce their energy usage and lower their bills, there are other tips that have been shared that are not as obvious. For example, one of the participants shared that if you put a dry towel in the dryer with wet clothes, it makes the other clothes dry quicker. Participants also add to Solar Shares by helping to maintain the sites, including preparing the edible gardens or clearing brush.  

As for the array locations themselves, PAREI has different agreements in place. In Plymouth, they lease the land at no cost from Alex Ray and the Common Man Family of Restaurants. In Warren, AppleKnockers General Store donated roof space for the panels and in Center Harbor, PAREI has a no-cost lease arrangement with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.  

It truly is a neighbor helping neighbor effort.