Connecticut Solar Rebate Returns
getsolar.com
This past December, we reportedthat funding for Connecticut’s solar rebate program had run dry. Sixmonths later, the program is back by popular demand. The ConnecticutClean Energy Fund recently announced the re-opening of the Small Solar Rebate Program, effective July 1, 2009:
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) today announcedthat it has reopened its Small Solar PV Rebate Program (SSPRP). SinceNovember 2008, this program has been unable to accept new applicationsfor rebates because budgeted funding for the program was fullycommitted. However, with the CCEF board’s recent approval of a new,$3.1 million funding allocation
for the program, the SSPRP can now support several new rebates for residential solar installations.“We are delighted to be able to offer this program once again to Connecticut homeowners,” said Lise
Dondy, president of CCEF. “It has been a highly popular program, enabling the purchase and
installation of more than 1,000 small solar PV systems statewide since the program was first introduced
in late 2004.” Dondy added, “We have a long list of homeowners who wish to go green with solar and
will benefit from the new funding. We look forward to assisting them in stabilizing their energy costs
and protecting the environment.”
Of the $3.1 million in new funds, $1.5 million will come fromfederal stimulus money allocated by the American Recovery andReinvestment Act. (For more recent news on solar rebates and federalstimulus money, read here.)The remaining $1.6 million will be raised through small surchargeslevied on all electricity utility bills, statewide — a funding approachCCEF has applied in the past.
As for the rebates themselves, residential customers who install asolar photoelectric (PV) system can expect to have their purchasesubsidized as follows:
- $1.75/watt, for the first 5 kilowatts (kW) of installed PV capacity (PTC rating)
- $1.25/watt for the next 5 kW of PV capacity (for a maximum system size capped at 10 kW)
So, to take a rough example, a 7.1-kW residential solar panel systemcould qualify for a rebate of $11,375 ($1.75 x 5,000 watts + $1.25 x2100 watts = $8,750 + $2,625 = $11,375). The CCEF estimates that thislatest round of funding will provide rebates for 325 residential solarsystems over the course of the next 11 months. Also, don’t forget thatCCEF also sponsors a unique solar lease program.
To get started on your CT residential solar energy system, tell us about your home energy use. We’re here to provide free information and guidance for all your solar-related questions.
