Free Solar PV Systems Offered in Connecticut

"As a state and a nation, our power consumption and the green house gas emissions associated with current electricity generation methods continue to increase."

- Bryan Garcia, Program Director, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

Hartford, Connecticut [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Yeah, it caught our attention too. It's all part of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's (CCEF) new program - Connecticut's Clean Energy Communities. This program will offer a free solar energy system to municipalities that commit to purchase 20 percent of their electricity through clean energy sources by 2010. The program also requires their residents and businesses to sign up directly for the clean energy choice option available early next year through Connecticut Light &Power and United Illuminating. The program was created to support statewide efforts to increase the use of clean energy and demonstrate that clean energy systems are viable throughout the state.

CCEF launched the community program to representatives from cities and towns from across the state gathered Wednesday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford for a workshop on the viability and benefits of clean energy. Municipal representatives also heard how they can join in statewide efforts underway to make clean energy a greater part of Connecticut's energy future.

"Greater use of clean energy strengthens the state's economy, protects community health, improves the environment and leads to a more secure energy supply for state residents," said Lise Dondy, Chief Operating Officer, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund."

The workshop was sponsored by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), SmartPower and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

Attendees learned about available clean energy programs such as:

- Smartpower's 20 percent by 2010 clean energy campaign - Cities and towns across the state can make a commitment to help the state have 20 percent of its electrical power needs met through clean energy sources by 2010.
- CCEF's Project 100 - This landmark state law provides Connecticut municipalities the opportunity to establish clean energy projects in their communities.
- Clean Energy Programs - Municipalities received information on current incentive programs that support the installation of solar electric energy systems and fuel cells.
- Connecticut's Clean Energy Communities program which provides for free solar energy systems for qualifying municipalities.

Several cities and towns across Connecticut have already made the commitment to the 20 percent by 2010 clean energy campaign including New Haven and Portland, while new clean energy systems have been installed in communities such as South Windsor, Granby, Hartford, Rocky Hill, New Haven, North Canaan, and Stamford.

"As a state and a nation, our power consumption and the green house gas emissions associated with current electricity generation methods continue to increase," said Bryan Garcia, Program Director, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, "Clean energy production, whether it's through the sun, wind, biomass or fuel cell power, is a way to help an environmentally sound future. Clean energy choice and initiatives like the 20 percent by 2010 campaign are key steps in that process."

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