Squam Lakes Natural Science Center goes solar

HOLDERNESS —  In 2016, when Squam Lakes Natural Science Center updated its Strategic Plan, an ambitious 50 by 30 pledge was made. The pledge was to achieve 50 percent of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The Science Center has taken several steps in that direction over the last five years but is ready to make a huge leap to surpass its goal with a new solar array currently under construction.

The full project is a 139kW solar photovoltaic array (380+ panels), which will be constructed in two phases. The completed project is sized to generate enough power to offset nearly all of the Science Center’s electric needs. The PV project could save approximately $26,000 in electricity costs annually and over 250,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. It will be paired with educational interpretation to teach visitors about renewable energy and the climate crisis.

“We know that climate change is a worldwide catastrophe,” said Science Center Executive Director Iain MacLeod. “We hope that our initiative to go solar will help educate the public about clean renewable energy and to encourage others to take action.”

Phase one of the $375,000 project commenced in November 2021. Approximately 20 percent of the project’s solar panels are being installed on the roof of the Early Childhood Education Center — home of the Science Center’s Blue Heron School, a nature-based Montessori early learning center for students ages 3 to 6.

The second phase is ground-mounted arrays to be placed around the main parking lots. Construction will begin when funding is in place — hopefully later this spring. Potential donors are encouraged to contact Iain MacLeod at iain.macleod@nhnature.org. 

Learn more about the Science Center at nhnature.org; PAREI at plymouthenergy.org; and New England Commercial Solar Services at necsolarservices.com.