PAREI_2025

About Us

We are PAREI

providing sustainable choices for your lifestyle

Our Vision

We believe in the power of building thriving, sustainable communities where every household has access to clean energy, healthy local food, and the knowledge to live more efficiently and independently.

Our Mission

to build resilient communities in central New Hampshire by providing opportunities that encourage sustainable living

Our Story

In 2004, peak oil prices were at an all-time high and our dependence upon oil and running out of it was a real issue. Friends Sandra Jones and Peter Adams began thinking about the problem and how to help solve it. This thinking and grass roots movement resulted in the formation of the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative. 

Energy Raisers was the first major outcome of the initiative. What if we could teach others how to install solar water heating systems on their rooftop? Then, we could help each other learn, build a knowledgeable community and put more systems in place gaining energy independence while helping the environment and saving money.  250 systems later, the tide was turning. At the same time, gathering to discuss world energy issues and exploring new ideas. 

Today, as technology evolved, we now focus on photovoltaic system installations. We also added local food to our priorities in an effort to reduce energy miles and live independently. Creating a resilient community continues to be our goal.

Read our 2022-2023 Report

History

20o4
Founded

A volunteer group installing household solar hot water systems 

2005
Incorporated

PAREI gained non-profit status and inspired three other New Hampshire communities (Hillsborough, Seacoast, and Berlin) to develop a similar model 

2005
Awarded

PAREI received US Department of Energy Gauntlet Award 

2006
Launched

2006, PAREI launched Local Foods Plymouth, the nation’s first online year-round farmer’s market 

2017
Partnered

PAREI and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative partnered to launch our community solar initiative, NH Solar Shares. 

2019
Awarded

Communities for Alcohol and Drug-free Youth (CADY) Community Partner Award 

2023
Awarded

NH Solar Shares received US Department of Energy Sunny Award 

 

Our Staff

Our Board of Directors