New Solar Zoning Guidance for NH Communities

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The webinar provides valuable, actionable information for local governments in New Hampshire. The argumentation is solid, grounded in the presenters’ extensive professional experience and the practical needs of municipalities. They make a compelling case for updating zoning ordinances by highlighting the inevitability of solar proposals and the benefits of clear regulations in reducing costs and avoiding conflicts. The advice is pragmatic, such as starting with community visioning and being transparent about allowed uses. The presentation is well-structured, moving from big-picture context to specific details of the model ordinance. However, the argumentation relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and professional judgment rather than empirical data, which is typical for this type of guidance but limits its scientific rigor.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The webinar demonstrates strong rigor in its practical approach, with presenters who are clearly knowledgeable and experienced. The model ordinance is presented as a comprehensive resource, and the presenters emphasize the importance of statutory authority and consistency with regional practices. However, the talk itself does not cite specific sources or studies; instead, it references general trends and the existence of the model ordinance. The description mentions that the webinar is eligible for AICP CM credit, indicating professional recognition. The title accurately reflects the content, and the presentation is well-organized. The lack of explicit citations within the talk is a minor weakness, but the presenters direct viewers to the model ordinance and related resources for further information.

The title accurately reflects the content: the webinar provides an overview of the updated New Hampshire Model Solar Zoning Ordinance and guidance for communities.

8/10

The webinar is presented by two experienced professionals in clean energy and local government planning, with clear expertise in solar zoning. The content is well-structured, practical, and based on real-world experience. However, it is primarily an expert opinion and guidance session, not a peer-reviewed study, and lacks detailed citations within the talk itself.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction by Sarah Brock, Director of Circuit Rider Program at Clean Energy NH, and Deb Perry from ICMA.
• 05:00Deb Perry discusses why local governments should engage in energy planning and the projected increase in electricity demand.
• 10:00Deb Perry outlines the goals of the model ordinance: ensuring residents have options for solar and making rules for larger projects transparent.
• 15:00Deb Perry provides advice on addressing different types of solar development, creating permitted uses, and avoiding unintentional barriers.
• 20:00Deb Perry explains various solar project types: rooftop, accessory ground-mounted, principal use, agrivoltaics, and solar with storage.
• 25:00Sarah Brock introduces the model ordinance, explaining why it was updated and how to use it.
• 30:00Sarah Brock walks through the table of contents of the model ordinance, including background, solar 101, and statutory authority.
• 35:00Sarah Brock discusses the importance of community planning and visioning before adopting the ordinance.
• 40:00Sarah Brock provides tips for having conversations about adopting the ordinance and adapting it for local use.
• 45:00Q&A session begins, with presenters answering questions from participants.

• NH Model Solar Zoning Ordinance — The main resource being presented, linked in the chat during the webinar.
• SolSmart Program — Program providing technical assistance to local governments for solar development.
• Clean Energy NH — Organization hosting the webinar and providing resources.

• SolSmart Program — The webinar is co-hosted with SolSmart, and the program's goals align with the webinar's recommendations.
• Clean Energy NH — The host organization, which provides resources and technical assistance consistent with the webinar's content.