Solar Power Plants

Solar power plants, such as the multi-million-dollar “solar farms” in the deserts of Arizona and California, use high-temperature solar thermal systems that harness the sun’s rays to boil a fluid. The resulting steam turns a turbine that generates electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, New Hampshire has “marginal” potential for solar thermal generation. Although certain technologies may work in specific applications, most solar thermal collectors would not be effective in New Hampshire.

A different kind of solar technology — photovoltaic systems — can be used in New Hampshire for smaller-scale projects at homes and businesses. Click here to learn more.

 Solar Advantages

• Sunshine is free and clean
• Offsets the use of fossil fuels

Solar Limitations

• Very low potential for large-scale solar electricity generation in New Hampshire
• Not always available (e.g. cloudy days, night)