The Brochu 5‑megawatt solar farm in Concord shows how emerging solar technology is straining New Hampshire’s storm‑water permitting rules.
Developers had to obtain alteration of terrain permits, which required building two infiltration basins and a swale to manage runoff from the 11,000 tilted panels, yet calculations suggest the basins will remain empty because rain lands on soil rather than pavement.
Although regulations were relaxed slightly after 2024, officials and industry leaders say New Hampshire’s standards are still tougher than those of neighboring states, and political resistance continues to slow solar development.
The project, owned by the Brochu family and built by Lodestar Energy, is slated for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, underscoring the need for updated, realistic regulations to support renewable energy in the state.
Source: www.concordmonitor.com
