Rocky Hill, Conn., February 28, 2008 — The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) today announced the completion of the installation of a 12.4-kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Chrisholm Marina in Chester, Conn. The installation was made possible, in part, by a $53,658 grant from CCEF, which paid for approximately half of the total system cost. CCEF provided this grant through its On-site Renewable Distributed Energy (DG) Program.
Abbie Coderre, manager of Chrisholm Marina, said, “We are delighted that CCEF was able to help us in our continued efforts to be a ‘green’ marina. With the help of our customers, Chrisholm has always worked toward creating a cleaner environment and is committed to being more energy efficient. The installation by SolarWrights was a quick, clean and easy process. It’s exciting to be able to follow our energy generation numbers online and know that we are making a difference.”
The Chrisholm Marina solar PV system, consisting of 62 solar panels, is installed on the rooftops of the boat shed and the mechanic shed. It is estimated that the system will supply approximately 37% of the energy needs of the marina.
“Solar PV was a smart choice for Chrisholm Marina,” said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF. “When the marina’s electricity demands are at their peak – during the busy summer season – the solar PV system’s output will be greatest.” Dondy continued, “We are pleased that we could help make this installation possible.”
The Chrisholm Marina solar PV system was installed by SolarWrights Inc. of Stonington, Conn., which has installed numerous solar arrays at commercial and residential sites throughout Connecticut.
Tonya Morgan, Connecticut operations manager for SolarWrights, commented, “It was great to work with Chrisholm Marina and install a system at their site. All aspects of the installation went smoothly and on schedule. When a customer is as energy conscious as Chrisholm Marina, it makes installing PV systems more gratifying.”
“This project is another wonderful example of how organizations in Connecticut are joining together in an effort to reduce our state’s dependence on fossil fuels,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “By investing in clean, renewable energy sources, Chrisholm Marina is taking a responsible step forward in helping Connecticut meet its goal of energy independence. I commend Chrisholm Marina for its commitment and I hope that the marina’s efforts will help inspire others to follow its lead.”
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 Chrisholm Marina Inc.
Chrisholm Marina is a 140-slip full-service marina located on the Connecticut River. The marina offers commissioning boat work in the spring, full-service slips in the summer and winter storage.
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