Governor Rell: $4 Million in Stimulus Funds

to Help Homeowners ‘Go Solar’ With Hot Water Systems

Businesses Also Eligible for Solar Thermal Grants

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the state is dedicating $4 million in federal stimulus funds to help homeowners and businesses pay for the installation of solar-powered hot water heating systems, an investment that will lower utility bills and promote the use of alternative fuels.

            “I am proud of Connecticut’s leadership in promoting and using greener, cleaner technology,” Governor Rell said. “This incentive will help hundreds of families and businesses make the switch to renewable energy by saving them money on installation costs and ultimately their hot water bills. It would also be a much-needed boost in business for those who sell and install these systems.”

            The new Solar Thermal Incentive Program is part of the comprehensive State Energy Plan that has qualified for $38 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The broad-based plan includes programs that:

• Provide incentives to use alternative energy in homes and businesses;
• Expand fuel cell initiatives;
• Make state buildings more energy efficient;
• Create green collar jobs needed for emerging technologies.

The incentive program will be administered by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a ratepayer fund that promotes, develops and invests in clean energy resources for the benefit of Connecticut’s electric ratepayers.

CCEF officials say there is enough funding available to support installations of 600 residential solar heating systems and about 120 non-residential systems. The systems can supply up to 80 percent of a customer’s annual hot water needs.

            “We are excited to be launching this brand new solar initiative,” CCEF President Lise Dondy said. “The Solar Thermal Incentive Program will be CCEF’s third solar initiative and will dovetail nicely with our existing solar lease and rebate programs. Connecticut residents will now have several incentive options to choose from to help them ‘go solar.’”  

For more information about the Solar Thermal Incentive Program, visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarthermal, call (860)563-0015 or e-mail solarthermal@ctcleanenergy.com.

To view the entire State Energy Plan and for more information on the ARRA in Connecticut, visit the state’s stimulus Web site at www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.