Workshop On Solar Energy Rebates

The increased popularity of solar energy, and the financial incentives now being offered to home and business owners who install solar energy systems on their properties, will be explained to area residents during a free workshop on June 2 in Newtown.

The workshop will be held at the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, beginning at 7 pm.

Solar energy or solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity.

The event is co-sponsored by Solar Connecticut, which has partnered with the US Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative (MSR). Solar Connecticut has a goal to install solar electric systems on 1,000 state roofs by 2010.

A Connecticut Clean Energy Fund representative will attend and speak about the fund’s rebates now being offered to Connecticut residents who install solar photovoltaic systems on their homes. The incentives are available only through participating installers that have been designated by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. The program offers an incentive of $5 per watt for the first 5kw of system and installation costs, with a maximum rebate of $25,000 per household.

At the workshop, solar experts will describe to local residents how to evaluate whether a solar electric system (or photovoltaics) is right for a home or business and provide information on installing a solar PV system. Registration is at the door and participants can obtain a copy of a Consumer’s Guide to Solar PV, courtesy of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

A similar Connecticut Clean Energy Fund program is offered to commercial, industrial, and institutional building owners. More information on the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s solar PV programs may be found at www.ctcleanenergy.com.

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund invests in technology to support the creation of supply from renewable sources and fuel cells in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for Connecticut. The Fund, financed by a surcharge on ratepayers’ electric utility bills, is administered by Connecticut Innovations.

Announced in June 1997, the Million Solar Roofs Initiative is designed to support states and local communities as they develop a strong commitment to the sustained deployment of solar energy technologies.