Niles Donegan

I am writing to express my concerns about HB1002, which would repeal New Hampshire’s solar property tax exemption statute. As a scientist with a PhD, I work regularly with complex technical and policy issues, and I appreciate the importance of aligning legislation with both sound evidence and practical outcomes. Under current law, municipalities have the option to exempt residential solar installations from property taxes, and many communities use this flexibility to support household affordability, encourage responsible local investment, and maintain local control. In New Hampshire, where housing and energy costs are already significant burdens for many families, this option can make a meaningful difference. For many homeowners, solar is less about ideology and more about managing long-term energy expenses and improving financial stability. Removing the exemption would likely discourage investment and make solar less accessible, particularly for residents who are already sensitive to upfront and ongoing costs. Repealing this statute would also shift decision-making away from towns and cities that are best positioned to understand their own economic conditions and priorities. Preserving local choice allows communities to balance tax policy, affordability, and energy resilience in ways that reflect their specific needs. I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1002 and to preserve municipalities’ ability to make these decisions locally. Thank you for your time and consideration.