Rocky Hill, Conn., December 14, 2007 – The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) Board today announced approval of a $1,180,000 grant to defray approximately half of the total cost of a 308-kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system at The Lee Company’s Westbrook, Conn., Restrictor Group production facility. Upon completion, this system will be the largest solar photovoltaic system at a manufacturing facility in the state of Connecticut.
The Lee Company (TLC) designs, develops and manufactures miniature precision fluid control components for aerospace systems, down-hole oil tools, machine tools, medical/scientific instrumentation and ink-jet printing. CCEF’s funding will be granted through its On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation (DG) Program which provides financial support for installations of renewable energy at commercial, industrial and institutional buildings in Connecticut.
“This is an exciting time for us. The Company is experiencing continued growth, and like everyone else, we are feeling the crunch from the recent rate hikes,” said Leighton Lee IV, facilities manager for The Lee Company. “Thanks to the solar PV system we are installing, we are better positioned than ever to continue investing and growing right here in Connecticut.”
TLC employs nearly 800 people in Connecticut, and more than 100 at this particular manufacturing plant in Westbrook. The installation of the 308-kilowatt system will play a critical role in the company’s plans for new facilities and jobs in the area.
“Our goal with this PV system is to showcase the high-tech economy in Connecticut, while responding to the energy issue with environmental stewardship,” continued Lee. “TLC is very excited about being able to source a good portion of our electricity internally using clean energy technology.”
The solar PV system, once installed, will supply about 19% of the total electrical needs for TLC’s facility in Westbrook. Additionally, during weekends and holidays, when the plant is closed and electrical demand is greatly reduced, the electricity produced by the solar panels can be credited against the company’s electric bill.
“This project is a great example of how public and private partnerships can help us meet our goal of using clean, renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” Governor M. Jodi Rell said. “I applaud The Lee Company for contributing to a healthier environment and for helping Connecticut to achieve energy independence.”
“This solar installation will provide an excellent ‘net metering’ opportunity for The Lee Company,” said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF. “The company should enjoy important cost savings on its monthly electric bill as it feeds solar energy into the grid. Additionally, the installation will benefit the citizens of Connecticut by contributing to a cleaner, healthier, more energy-independent future.”
To get this project off the ground and onto the roof, TLC will utilize the services of Gloria Spire Solar LLC, one of the most experienced solar PV design and installation companies operating in Connecticut.
Mr. Mark Goodreau, CEO of Gloria Spire Solar LLC, said, “Solar is an attractive option for progressive companies looking to save money on electricity bills while demonstrating support for clean renewable energy. We are excited to be working with The Lee Company on this important project, and appreciate the support of CCEF to help make these large solar installations a practical choice.”
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.
About Gloria Spire Solar LLC
Gloria Spire Solar LLC is a full-service provider of solar electricity solutions for commercial, government, and utility customers. A joint venture company formed by two industry leaders – solar pioneer Spire Corporation and module manufacturer Gloria Solar Co., Ltd. – our mission is to make solar systems more accessible, reliable, and affordable. For more information, please visit www.gloriaspire.com.
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