Most people buying electric vehicles or investing in energy-efficiency systems for their homes are doing so for the first time. Lots of information is available online, but it’s hard to know how to apply that research to your own situation. Online sources also tend to be general in nature and lack details that could be critical when making energy-related decisions for your home.
Whatever project or purchase you are considering, you want to know what the experience will be like in both the short and long term. The more you understand about what to expect, the more confident you’ll be with your decision-making. The best and only way to get that knowledge is to speak with someone who has been through the process.
When my wife and I decided to install solar panels several years ago, we started getting quotes without having spoken to anyone who had recent experience. The first question an installer asked was, “What is your goal?” I had no idea what he meant. We just wanted solar panels.
What he was really asking was how far we wanted to go with the solar system — meet our current electrical demands or go bigger in anticipation of future needs. We decided on the more-conservative option, which in hindsight was not the right one as our electricity consumption has since increased. If we had sought the advice of someone who had gone through the process, we would have thought things through more and been better prepared when speaking with installers.
Not everyone will have a friend, neighbor or family member who can share their experiences with energy-related projects. That’s why the Monadnock Sustainability Hub is launching its Monadnock Energy Coach program, with Peterborough as its pilot town. The program matches town residents considering home energy projects with other residents who have gone through similar projects.
What is an energy coach?
An energy coach is someone who has completed one or more of the following projects and is willing to share their experience with other Peterborough residents: weatherization including energy audits, insulation and air sealing, installation of heat pumps, installation of solar panels, purchase of an EV, installation of batteries to provide backup power, purchase of an induction range and installation of a heat pump water heater
Incentives to implement energy-saving upgrades or purchase energy-efficient products will soon be available in New Hampshire thanks to the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and others are available through NHSaves now. Some energy coaches will be able to explain the rebates and tax credits for which you might qualify.
Energy coaches do not take the place of experts who can design systems or make specific recommendations for products or services. Instead, they prepare residents with the knowledge they need to work more effectively with those experts and make better decisions on their energy investments. They help you avoid the “I wish I had known that before I started” regrets.
Coaching panel event
The Monadnock Sustainability Hub is hosting the first event for the Monadnock Energy Coach program. Electrify Your Home: Neighbors Coaching Neighbors happens this Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the 1833 Room at the Peterborough Town Library. A group of residents will be there to discuss their experiences with buying EVs, weatherizing their homes and installing solar panels, heat pumps and battery backup systems.
The event will provide a taste of what the energy coach program offers by giving residents the opportunity to ask questions and hear first-hand experiences. They will also discuss potential government incentives for energy-related projects.
How to request an energy coach
If you would like to be matched with an Energy Coach, contact the Monadnock Sustainability Hub through the Peterborough Renewable Energy Project at info@prepnh.org. The Monadnock Sustainability Hub is looking for additional coaches, too, and you may contact the organization at the same email address if you would like to help others in your community become more energy efficient.
Michael Nadeau is a member of the Peterborough Renewable Energy Project.