Our Solar B&B
A Vermont Green Hotel in the Green Mountain State
West Hill House B&B is very focussed on being a good steward for the environment. From using solar power for virtually all of our electricity and much of our hot water to using natural products for most of our cleaning, to recycling and composting as much as possible, we are very much a green operation.
Starting back at an Awards Ceremony held on April 20th 2009 in the House Chamber of the Vermont State House, Governor Jim Douglas presented a plaque to Peter and Susan, recognizing West Hill House B&B as a Vermont Green Hotel in the Green Mountain State.
We have also been designated as a Green Leader at Gold Level by Trip Advisor. As a Vermont Green Hotel we take our stewardship of the environment and our energy usage very seriously. To learn more watch the short video interview with Peter..
Major Eco Initiatives
- Our main company vehicle is now a Tesla Model Y (all-wheel drive), charged mainly by electrons from our Solar Array.
- In 2023 and 2024 we added two more Tesla charging stations, now four in total along with a 240V J1772 station, and we can provide an adapter to use J1772 with any of the Tesla stations. All are complimentary for guests.
- In December 2022 our two new Solar Trackers were commissioned, located right here on the property, increasing our solar power capacity by about 30%. This extra power makes it cost effective to use our mini-split heat pumps for some of our heating in the winter and to power additional EV charging.
- Over the years 2020 through 2022 we replaced most of the air conditioners at the B&B with mini-split heat pump systems for much more efficiency, as well as being quieter and more comfortable.
- In August 2015 we had the ribbon cutting on the Solar Array that covers roughly 100% of our electric power costs over the year.
- Recognized in 2015 as a Green Leader, Gold Level by Trip Advisor.
- In December 2014 we added our initial complimentary EV charging for our guests, both two 240V 80A chargers for Teslas and a 240V J1772 at 40A for other EVs. (Now augmented as of 2024.)
- Added a solar hot water pre-heating system in 2009 on our south-facing roof, designed to supply up to two-thirds of our hot water year-round, reducing our propane use further.
- Recognized in November 2008 as a “Green Hotel” by the Vermont Environmental and Regulatory Assistance Program.
- Replaced the oil boiler and two direct-fired propane water heaters in 2007 with a high efficiency condensing propane boiler and an indirect hot water heating system.
- In your room, you will see a large blue recycling bin for paper, glass, plastic, and metal objects.
- Over half of our garbage is separated for recycling and composting.
- We offer beautiful spring-fed well water from every faucet, along with complimentary reusable water bottles, and we encourage our guests not to bring bottled water.
- We clean the B&B with natural products.
Our B&B is Solar Powered!
September 17, 2015: – Warren, VT: A Vermont Bed & Breakfast and retreat center known for hospitality and a picturesque setting in Warren, Vermont has just completed a sizeable green initiative investment. Peter and Susan MacLaren, owners of West Hill House B&B and Retreat Center, participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 27, 2015 to celebrate the opening of Same Sun Solar Society of Poultney, Vermont, a solar farm that will fully power their facility, including their Tesla charging stations.
West Hill House B&B and Retreat Center is the largest private investor in the solar farm, holding over a 28% financial stake in the system designed and built by Same Sun of Vermont Inc., incorporating US-manufactured solar panels. Full press release.
Complimentary EV Charging
We provide complimentary EV charging for our guests, both for Tesla and 240V J1772. Each of these can fully charge a Tesla in about 4 hours, as well as other EVs.
We were delighted to welcome Vermont Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing Megan Smith who cut the ribbon on December 16th, 2014 to formally launch this capability, one of the first B&Bs in Vermont to offer dedicated Tesla charging for guests.
Now Tesla owners, for example from the metro areas around Boston (190 miles with a top-up en-route if necessary from the Supercharger in Hooksett NH), Montreal (140 miles) and New York (300 miles with a top-up en-route from the Supercharger in Albany), can drive their Tesla to Vermont’s beautiful Mad River Valley and enjoy all the area’s attractions, including Sugarbush next door to us, one of the premier ski and golf resorts in the north-east, while enjoying our hospitality at the top rated B&B accommodation in the area as per Trip Advisor. And, of course, the electrons are on us!
