What is an "Energy Raiser"??

We all remember reading about barn raisings in the earlier days of rural America, and indeed, even today in certain communities such as the Amish. Well, a few years ago, an organization based in Plymouth, NH, the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI) pioneered the idea of holding barn-raising style efforts to install solar thermal hot water, and later, solar PV (photovoltaics) and even wind energy systems at members homes in a "pay-it-forward" manner.

Members come to assist at several energy raisers for other members, gaining knowledge and experience at each and learning from other members. Throughout the process, the members learn techniques and variations that help them when designing their own system. Once the member has the experience and has helped several others, they may wish to hold their own energy raiser at their home. After the member has their own equipment installed, they are encouraged to attend additional energy raisers to help pass on their skills and knowledge to others.

Through the end of 2008, PAREI had assisted in 93 solar installations resulting in an estimated 558 kWh production per day (BTU equivalent), eliminating approximately 16,275 gallons of oil per year. As of February, 2009, PAREI already has 8 installations lined up for 2009.

Since energy raisers are volunteer efforts, the teams are necessarily local. Tremendous interest has been shown in PAREI's model throughout the northeast and increasingly in other areas across the country. PAREI has already helped spawn two other local organizations in NH and Energy Action NH will now be the third.

Energy Raisers in the Capitol Region

With the help of PAREI, EnergyActionNH is building interest in Energy Raisers in the Capitol Region of New Hampshire and is holding monthly information sessions on solar hot water and the Energy Raiser model for anyone interested.

Want to Learn More About Energy Raisers?

Come to one of our monthly Energy Exchange meetings. You will meet others interested in energy issues, participate in interesting discussions, observe demonstrations and presentations on various energy-related topics, and learn more about renewable energy including solar hot water and Energy Raisers.