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06/07/2016 04:30 PMAnyone considering going solar needs to know first whether it’s viable (Do you have an aging roof? Spanish tiles? Wooden shakes?) and second, whether it’s affordable.
Clinton residents who are curious or on the fence are invited to an information session about solar home energy as well as budget-friendly financing options without upfront costs.
Solarize Clinton—part of a greater Solarize Connecticut initiative—will offer a 90-minute workshop that helps residents identify whether their home is a good candidate for solar energy, qualify for discount pricing, learn about flexible financing options, and meet Ross Solar Group, the installer that the Town of Clinton has selected for the townwide program. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, June 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Henry Carter Hull Library.
“Ross Solar Group was chosen through a competitive selection process,” said Paul Gebauer, chairman of the Clinton Energy Committee, “and they’ll provide all the solar installations in Clinton in exchange for special discount pricing.
“The Town of Clinton has a strong commitment to using renewable energy on its municipal buildings,” said First Selectman Bruce Farmer, “and we are happy to now offer the Solarize Connecticut program to residents, which can bring energy and cost savings to homeowners. This program is wholly endorsed by the Town of Clinton, and it will offer our residents a chance to learn more about renewable solar energy and the possibility of purchasing solar at reduced costs to them. I encourage all Clinton homeowners to attend one of the public events or sign up to find out if solar works for them.”
Solarize Connecticut is a project of the Connecticut Green Bank, through a partnership with the nonprofit marketing firm SmartPower, which works with local, state, and federal agencies and utilities to promote clean energy and energy efficiency.
SmartPower’s president, Brian Keane, said the partnership has resulted in more than 18 megawatts of residential solar across Connecticut, with more than 2,300 households participating.
“We continue to see financing and the ‘Solarize’ model bringing down the cost of solar and making it affordable for more and more homeowners throughout Connecticut,” Keane said.
Indeed, the Solar Energy Industries Association reports that the cost to purchase a solar power system has fallen by about 50 percent since 2007, and a 2015 Oxford University study forecasts continued price decreases of 10 percent a year, as solar technology scales up.
More immediately, a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent is available for solar installations through 2016, and Connecticut Green Bank offers additional incentives. Solar installations are also exempt from sales and property taxes.
At the June 15 workshop, Clinton residents will be able to sign up for a no-cost, no-obligation home evaluation. A fixed discount price for installation is available to those who sign a contract by Oct. 19.
More than 60 communities throughout the state participate in Solarize Connecticut.