On August 20, 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the Unitil Kingston Solar Facility; New Hampshire’s first utility-owned solar farm.
Once completed, this facility will feature 11,232 solar panels, making it one of the largest in the state, generating 4.9 megawatts of renewable energy. Located on 36 acres of vacant land adjacent to an electrical substation off Towle Road in Kingston, the project aligns with the region’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives in New England.
“Our vision is to transform the way our customers meet their evolving energy needs. We’re very passionate about not only expanding clean energy resources here in New England, but also about bringing affordable energy to our customers.”
Thomas Meissner, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Unitil
The solar farm will cover approximately 27 acres, housing panels, inverters, transformers, and other essential equipment. The electricity generated will be fed directly into Unitil’s distribution system. In its first year, the facility is projected to produce around 9.7 million kilowatt-hours, with an average output of 8.6 million kilowatt-hours annually over its anticipated 40-year lifespan.
Approval for the project was granted by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission in 2023. Under state law, utilities can invest in renewable energy generation up to 6% of their total distribution peak load, allowing Unitil the capacity to develop up to 18 megawatts of renewable energy.
“I believe that if the government is going to encourage renewable energy, we should make sure that there are clear benefits. I am hopeful that this project will set a great example of how a rate-payer focused, all-of-the-above approach to energy can lead to success for Granite Staters.”
Jared Cicoine, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy
Scheduled for completion in 2025, the facility will utilize single-axis tracking solar panels that adjust throughout the day to follow the sun’s path. While energy storage is not part of the initial plan, the design allows for future integration of storage solutions.