LARELLA is embracing the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative model for “Energy Raisings”, where people installing solar electric or solar hot water components, in return for a reduction in labor costs by having volunteers help with the installation, agree themselves to contribute labor to several other people’s installations. This way, solar installation costs are significantly cheaper and you meet others using the same products and can get (and give) support and advice on reducing your energy expenditures. Sustain Ability, the “green” store at 50 Canal Street in downtown Laconia, sells solar electric and solar hot water products and supports this model of installation. (On electrical installations, a Licensed Electrician is required by law to be the one making the connection to the power grid.)

We have had several ENERGY RAISERS over the last year or so, and three of our members are the happy owners of new solar hot water system giving free heat for showers, dishes and laundry. We are currently planning for one or two happening this spring and summer. If interested in learning about Energy Raisers, participating in or scheduling one for your house in the Lakes Region (roughly bounded by Meredith, Franklin, Gilmanton, Alton to Wolfeboro), please contact us by sending an email using the "Contact" button at the top of the page. Participants will be involved in helping install a solar hot water system and learing how the system works. Additionally, participating allows you to put your name forward for installation help for your own "Energy Raiser".

We have one planned Energy Raiser for this summer (probably August) and are open to others. Please email info@larella.org if you are interested in participating or if you would like more information about the Energy Raiser process