Rocky Hill, Conn., July 30, 2008 — The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) today announced that the solar photovoltaic (PV) array at Dove & Boar Farm in Hampton, Conn., which was funded through its On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program, is now installed and operating successfully. The 15.6-kilowatt solar array is one of the first to be installed at a working farm in Connecticut.
Farm owner Tim Huchthausen said, “Having this solar PV system enables us to implement our 5-year plan, which includes a heated greenhouse, certified kitchen, and walk-in cooler, so we can grow and sell fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and prepared specialty foods year round.”
The 78-panel solar PV system, installed by SolarWrights Inc., is located on the rooftop of the main barn at Dove & Boar Farm and is expected to supply approximately 85 percent of the farm’s energy needs. The farm – a member of Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) – is now able to be even more earth-friendly.
Dove & Boar Farm was able to reduce its outlay for installing the system by taking advantage of both state and federal incentives. Through CCEF’s On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program the farm received a grant of $65,932, which covered approximately half of the total project cost. Additionally, the project received a $29,397 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Farm Grant Program.
“Farming has always been an important part of the character of our state; this installation is an excellent example of clean energy helping a Connecticut farm stabilize its energy costs and improve its bottom line. Solar PV systems like this one can help in the preservation of local farms and the local produce that benefits all Connecticut citizens,” noted Lise Dondy, CCEF’s president.
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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