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We Are A Solar Powered Dental Practice!
Winnisquam Dental Goes Green with Solar Panels
WINNISQUAM, NH, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 -- If you traveled Route 3 through Winnisquam, NH on Friday, you may have noticed a flurry of activity on the rooftop and grounds of Winnisquam Dental, a family dental practice located at 944 Laconia Road (Route 3). Winnisquam Dental installed 49 solar panels on the practice roof, and a large pivoting ground transformer, launching their clean energy initiative.
“We'll be able to produce about 80% of our electricity which is huge because, like most medical practices, we use a tremendous amount to power equipment and servers,” said Kris Blackwelder, co-owner of Winnisquam Dental, “Adhering to infection control standards takes a lot of waste, and I’m excited that this endeavor will offset our carbon footprint significantly!”
The solar energy is collected through two main parts: “AllEarth Solar Tracker” ground mount tracking system and 49 “Q Cells” solar panels. The “AllEarth Solar Tracker,” which is designed, tested and engineered in Vermont, pivots on a hydraulic base to follow the sun’s path throughout the day, collecting 45% more energy than fixed solar panels. The “Q Cells” solar panels, installed on the roof of Winnisquam Dental, boast an efficiency rate of up to 18.6%, weigh approximately 41 pounds each, and are certified for high snow and wind loads.
The complete system, installed by Granite State Solar, will produce an estimated 18,877 kWh annually for Winnisquam Dental. The 2016 annual usage for Winnisquam Dental was 23,301 kWh, thus offsetting the practice’s electrical consumption by 81% annually.
“As a community member and business owner in the Lakes Region, we are mindful of our carbon footprint,” said Derek Blackwelder, co-owner of Winnisquam Dental, “this is something we have been thinking about for a while, and we hope that other businesses or home owners who have been thinking about it, will see our project, hear about what we’re doing, and be inspired to take this step with us.”
In addition to “going green,” the solar panel system installed on Winnisquam Dental provides a worthy cost savings after initial installation. As energy needs increase and reserves of fossil fuels shrink, the result is a dramatic increase in electricity prices. “From a financial perspective, this initiative will provide us with a positive return on our investment,” said Michael Grenier, Practice Manager of Winnisquam Dental, “The annualized rate of return for our system is 10.18%. So this is definitely a win for us, our patients, and the environment.”
What Our Patients Say...
“People Love Us On Google”
480 Google reviews 
(4.9)
(4.9)
Our experience with Winnisquam Dental has been fantastic. The office staff is helpful, attentive and friendly. The hygienists (Kate and Jenny) are gentle and thorough and the dentists (Drs. Blackwelder) are skilled and professional.
I highly recommend!
I highly recommend!
- Victoria Martin
We have been with Winnisquam Dental since we moved to the area in 2004 and the experience has always been fantastic experience overall. The front desk and support staff are incredibly helpful, making scheduling and check-in a breeze with their efficient and warm approach. The dentists are friendly and understanding, taking the time to explain everything without rushing. A special shoutout to our hygienist Kate—she has turned what used to be an anxiety-ridden chore for us into a comfortable and even enjoyable cleaning session with her gentle technique and reassuring demeanor. Highly recommend this practice for anyone seeking quality dental care!
- Ed Rochensk
Been with hygienist for many years. She knew I was having an operation that might preclude me from having cleaning up to six months. She called, stayed past her normal time to leave , and cleaned my teeth in case there would be a gap in my normal schedule. Above and beyond and very much appreciated.
- Lee Murphy
Staff is very friendly. Hygienist was super informative & very gentle doing the cleaning. The Dr. reviewed my file & preformed a general exam of the mouth & lymph nodes. I feel very comfortable with their care. Also enjoyed the wild life, raccoons, that made an appearance! Fun!
- Betsy Glidden
Dr. Knighton and the entire team at Winnisquam Dental are great! I have always had anxiety built around going to the dentist, but they make everything as painless as possible and explain exactly what your dental plan looks like. We are lucky to have such a great group here in the Lakes Region!
- Jim Whedon
We have been with Winnisquam Dental since 2004 and have been very pleased with the practice. We have always been warmly welcomed in a clean environment. We’ve seen many of the dental hygienists and have recommended them to others. We’ve had great experiences with both Dr. Kris and Dr. Blackwelder, they have worked together with us to come up with treatment plans. Communication has been top notch!
- Kari Scott
They are the BEST!! Been taking my son there for a while now and he loves it...he had a small procedure done there not too long ago and she was Amazing with stating everything she was going to do slowly and clearly right down to how it was going to feel to him which help his anxiety tremendously...Keep up the good work Winnisquam Dental we love your work! Great place for Children or Anyone!
- Jennifer Karl
From the minute we walked in the door it was a warm and welcoming visit. We started our appt on time, and Kris came out and introduced herself to both myself and my son. I’ve never seen that in my many visits to a dentist! She was very kind and thorough with any thing she discussed or even did during my sons exam. He was a little timid about going but she had him laughing the whole time! We are lucky to have found such a comfortable environment!
- Meg White
The folks at Winnisquam Dental are so friendly, professional, and dedicated to what they do! Kate has been cleaning our teeth for years & we just adore her! Both of the Dr.'s have taken care of all of us at one time or another, and they are always wonderful, keeping the experience as pain free & speedy as possible. Mike, at the front desk, is so helpful & kind, and always has a smile on his face! We are lifetime patients for sure!