Rocky Hill, Conn., April 24, 2008 — The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) today announced that it has made funding commitments totaling $1.25 million to four solar photovoltaic (PV) projects through its On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program. The grant recipients are:
• Chase Collegiate School, Waterbury, Conn. – to receive a $275,795 grant from CCEF that will defray over half of the total cost of installing a 64.8-kilowatt solar PV system at the school.
• Essex Meadows Lifecare Retirement Community, Essex, Conn. – to receive a $459,719 grant from CCEF that will defray over half of the total cost of installing a 108-kilowatt solar PV system at the facility.
• Kaestle Boos Associates, New Britain, Conn. – to receive a $157,212 grant from CCEF that will defray over half of the total cost of installing a 34.9-kilowatt solar PV system at the architectural firm.
• Precision Plastic Products, Portland, Conn. – to receive a $359,765 grant from CCEF that will defray over half of the total cost of installing an 83-kilowatt solar PV system at this plastics manufacturing business.
“By supporting these four solar installations, we are helping to bring on line nearly 300 kilowatts of clean energy generating capacity – enough energy to power 36 homes each year,” said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF. “The diversity of the grant recipients demonstrates the broad appeal of solar energy as a viable resource that helps control energy costs while protecting the environment.”
The solar installation at Chase Collegiate School, to be mounted on the rooftop of the Upper School building, will supply approximately 40% of the total electrical needs for the building. The system will consist of 288 solar panels to be installed by Solar Works Inc. (www.solarworksinc.com).
Stephen Carleton, business manager of Chase Collegiate School, said, “Chase Collegiate School is proud to be implementing a solar installation with the help of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. This array is consistent with Chase’s values to preserve the environment and to find alternatives to traditional electricity generation. The photovoltaic system will also be used in the education of students in the classroom and sets an example for the future leaders of our community.”
The 108-kilowatt solar PV system that is planned for the rooftop of Essex Meadows Lifecare Retirement Community will consist of 616 solar panels and is expected to generate approximately 7% of the facility’s total electrical needs. Gloria Spire Solar of Bedford, Mass. (www.gloriaspire.com) has been selected as the installer of the system.
Bob Gillie, chairman of the Residents’ Council of the Essex Meadows Lifecare Retirement Community commented, “Essex Meadows and our residents have been pioneers of innovative retirement living for the last two decades. We continue to look for strategic opportunities, such as this grant from CCEF, which help us to foster our tradition of environmental stewardship. This initiative is very much in keeping with Essex Meadows’ spirit of community and has been enthusiastically supported by the residents, owners and employees. ”
Kaestle Boos Associates’ solar array will consist of 170 solar panels mounted on the roof of the building that houses this architectural firm. It will supply approximately 13.5% of the building’s electrical needs. The PV system will be installed by Solar Works Inc.
“As an architectural design firm, Kaestle Boos Associates strives to be a leader in designing efficient and environmentally sound facilities for our clients. With the assistance of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and our experienced consultant and installer, Solar Works, the installation of a solar photovoltaic system on our own facility demonstrates that we also ‘practice what we preach,’” said Kaestle Boos’ chief operating officer, Michael Blessing. “Additionally, by utilizing the system’s net-metering capabilities, we will not only be able to reduce our costs and energy consumption, but will also supply cleanly generated electricity back to the grid during periods of reduced internal usage, such as on weekends.”
The solar array to be installed at Precision Plastic Products will be mounted on the factory’s roof. Consisting of 272 solar panels, the array is expected to supply nearly 40% of the electrical requirements of the building. Solar Works Inc. has been selected as the installer of the system.
Edward Organek, Jr., vice president of Precision Plastic Products, noted, “Our manufacturing plant has been greatly affected by the rising cost of energy. If we don’t constantly find ways to save money, we may have to consider relocating or possibly closing our manufacturing facility. Solar Works has helped us maximize the value of this system, and without CCEF funding this project would not be financially possible.”
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by the electric ratepayers. CCEF’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut’s ratepayers in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
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