Learn About Portable Solar
Portable solar is a new, affordable way to lower your electric bill — and you don’t need a roof or to own your home to use it. Brattleboro has been selected as the site of a potential pilot program for distributing these systems, and the Town is gathering data on who would benefit, to help build support for the effort.
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and the Town are partnering with regional stakeholders to expand access to energy efficiency and clean energy improvements across the community. This collaboration involves building a coordinated local market to attract investments that can lower energy costs, strengthen infrastructure, and support long term economic resilience. This collaboration will help create simple and effective pathways for residents and businesses to pursue energy upgrades and energy-related investment.
Sustainability Coordinator Stephen Dotson provided an update on this project at the Brattleboro Selectboard's March 10 meeting. Watch his presentation here. A week later, he appeared on an episode of Vermontitude.
Portable solar (also called plug-and-play solar) uses small solar panels that can be placed on a deck, balcony, roof, or ground rack. Systems up to about 1200 watts (roughly three panels) may be allowed, depending on final state rules. These systems can be taken with you if you rent and have to move, and can be expanded upon, if a household needs additional power. Here's a short video explaining how Portable Solar Systems work.
See It in Action
A demonstration system is set up outside the Tri-Park Mobile Home Park management office in West Brattleboro and another will be set-up in April at Brooks Memorial Library. The Sustainability Coordinator will be hosting a portable solar workshop in the Main Reading Room of Brooks Memorial Library on April 29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., which will include a live demonstration.
Sign-up and Be Counted!
Please take this survey if you think portable solar could help your household.
This survey will help Brattleboro advocate to the state and others for funding and support in seeing these systems get to our community. For more information, email [email protected].
About the Brattleboro Municipal Investment Fund Initiative: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and the Town of Brattleboro are working together to develop simple and effective pathways for Brattleboro residents and businesses to pursue energy upgrades and energy-related investments. This program is funded through the National Clean Investment Fund and supports communities nationwide in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and delivering economic benefits.