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200th Residential Solar PV Installation and 1 MW of Installed Residential Solar Capacity
Rocky Hill, Conn., November 15, 2007 – The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a ratepayer fund administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CI), today announced that home owners across the state are increasingly harnessing the power of the sun. Together, Connecticut home owners and CCEF have helped the state reach two important clean energy milestones: the 200th residential solar installation and 1 megawatt (MW) of installed residential solar capacity. These installations were made possible, in part, by rebates offered through CCEF’s Solar PV Rebate Program.
To help celebrate the state’s 200th residential solar installation, Bob and Lisa Handel hosted a gathering at their East Hartford residence, where a 6.12 kW, ground-mounted solar array has been installed — the state’s 200th residential solar installation. The Handel’s array, consisting of 36 Schuco 170 Watt solar panels, generates enough electricity to reduce the family’s electric bill by 90 percent each month, on average. While roof-mounted solar arrays are most common, ground-mounted arrays are an excellent alternative when existing structures are not ideally situated for a PV system to be mounted on the roof. Ground-mounted solar arrays require a sufficient amount of space for installation purposes. Since the Handels have a family farm, this solar array method worked best for their situation.
“Installing this solar array is a way for my family to make an important investment in the planet,” said Bob Handel. “With this solar array, we are able to be more energy independent and show respect for the natural environment we live in. Solar energy is an important resource and thanks to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund I am able to do my one thing to put this resource to work for my family and the State of Connecticut.”
The Handels received a $27,232 rebate from CCEF through its Solar PV Rebate Program, which offset approximately 50 percent of the cost of installing the solar array. CCEF offers support to home owners wishing to install solar PV systems through the Solar PV Rebate Program. This program offers rebates of up to $46,500, through designated participating installers, to help defray the cost of installing solar PV systems.
“The Solar PV Rebate Program has been a huge success since it was launched in 2005. In March of this year we dedicated our 100th installation and in no time at all we are now dedicating the 200th installation,” said Lise Dondy, president of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. “This installation in particular is an exciting one in that it demonstrates to those interested in solar energy that there are alternatives to roof-mounted installations.”
Glenn Barresi, president of SolarBrite of South Windsor, the company that installed this solar PV system, stated, “SolarBrite is pleased to be a part of the growing solar industry in Connecticut.” Barresi continued, “By supporting the installation of solar PV systems, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is helping the State of Connecticut realize its energy independence goals and grow a new and exciting industry. SolarBrite makes every effort to utilize Connecticut resources for its solar installations. Most of the solar panels, equipment and labor we use all come from Connecticut.”
At the celebration, remarks were made by Melody A. Currey, mayor of East Hartford, State Senator Gary LeBeau (D-East Hartford), Timothy Bowles, chairman of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Board and Glen Barresi, president of SolarBrite.
The total installed capacity of residential solar PV systems in Connecticut enabled with financial assistance from CCEF now exceeds 1 MW. The installed systems provide electricity whose production is free of mercury, nuclear waste and harmful greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. The environmental benefit is equivalent to avoided emissions from approximately 10,000 miles not driven each year.
CCEF’s Solar PV Rebate Program has been highly popular, with more and more interest in the program expressed by home owners throughout the state. Increased awareness about this resource, combined with home owners’ desire to find a means of stabilizing their own energy costs and helping the environment, have contributed to the growth in demand for the CCEF rebates. Presently, the program boasts another 113 approved rebates for residential systems to be installed.
For more information regarding the Solar PV Rebate Program, visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solar.
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, non-profit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.
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