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Connecticut Announces Solar Lease Program

August 18, 2008 | 7 Comments

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Connecticut, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell announced a program to help low- and moderate- income residents cut their electricity expenses and build on the state's commitment to renewable energy. The Connecticut Solar Lease Program, one of the first of its kind in the nation, is a new initiative designed to eliminate the high initial costs associated with the purchase and installation of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The Clean Energy Fund is making solar energy a real possibility for many more Connecticut households by combining the success of its solar rebate program with the unique characteristics of this solar leasing program.

-- Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell

Through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a combination of rebates and tax credits can be used to lower the cost of leasing solar systems, helping more residents obtain clean, solar energy. CCEF is investing US $38.6 million and hopes to help approximately 1,000 homeowners in the next three years.

“Connecticut is a national leader in promoting clean energy in a way that makes sense, and this exciting, innovative program proves that once again,” Governor Rell said. “With the national economy in a slump, with energy prices at frankly ridiculous highs and other prices, including food prices, headed for the sky, our families are looking for alternatives. The Clean Energy Fund is making solar energy a real possibility for many more Connecticut households by combining the success of its solar rebate program with the unique characteristics of this solar leasing program."

Residents with qualifying credit and whose household income is less than or equal to 150 percent of the median income in their area are eligible for the program. A Hartford family of four with a total household income of less than US $121,000, for example, would qualify for a complete solar photovoltaic system with no down payment required.

Solar Energy

7 Reader Comments

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1 of 7

tom-goddu-155023

August 18, 2008

Currently considering a lease on a system, however the financial benefit is based on a projected 7% per year increase in the cost of electricity. Is there any info on CL&P's requested rate increases for the future, or energy trends such as the price forecast & availability of Nat Gas for generating CL&P power going forward? It seems I would be signing an agreement to pay $183/mo for an amount of electricity currently priced at $125, with the assumption that the $125 price would rise 7% per year, meaning I would break even in year 12, and big benefits after year 15. But if the current energy prices are a bubble, and do not rise, the savings may be a bust. Got a forecast?

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david-kupras-151772

August 18, 2008

Who is leasing your system? 7% seems to be a high projection and a 15 year pay back? That sounds way long to me too. From the graphs I have seen a 5% is more like it, plus it often doesn't rise at a steady incline; more like a leveling off, and then a burst upwards every so many years. From what I understand CL&P is strapped for energy, so the outlook for a continuing rise in their prices is possible. I have heard rumors of building another major transmission line down from Canada feeding off of their generated hydro power. Those lines aren't cheap and will add to you kwh cost.

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roger-r-schill-153539

August 18, 2008

When I think Connecticut, my first thoughts usually arent Sun, Sunny, Sunlight or Solar. And if you asked any of my neighbors here in SUNNY Southern California they would probably assume Connecticut is covered by snow for like seven or eight months a year. So I am kinda embarassed that a cold climate state has taken the lead in the attempt to make Solar affordable. Shouldnt California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas or Florida be leading this revolution? Thanks Arnold! Cant wait until your gone.

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kapitan

August 20, 2008

@Roger: CT typically has snow only 3-4 months a year. But of course solar would make a bigger difference in more southern states. I think Gov. Rell is doing great things with the CCEF. They're not perfect but they definitely show the state is willing to move in the right direction.

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tom-ingram-5368

August 20, 2008

As a Connecticut native, I'm pleased to continue to see some 'obvious' initiatives in the Alternative Energy fields making headlines. Gov. Rell has indeed made some commitments and demonstrated efforts to get moving in a positive direction, and I'm glad to see that. This isn't the first, though, as Connecticut has made progress in a pro-AE direction and that's made it to print and press releases in the past. I see a lot more about CT than I've seen of most other states in our Union...

I don't know enough about the CCEF to know its merits or disadvantages; I admit I've not been following this one.

Seeing little ol' Connecticut in the news relating to this AE program, and that it's making an effort to get some action in the AE field, may encourage others to begin to pick up the pace... or, if nothing else, have an active thought about doing something positive about AE.

I know it's encouraging to me.

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doug-dovey-69945

August 21, 2008

A quick question to Tom Goddu and/or David Cooper. How do I see these graghs and figures you are refering to. I am interested in the offer but how do I access the numbers.

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timmy-two-fingers-167328

January 14, 2009

Good point Doug! Data and graphs are really important. Especially pie charts. Accessing numbers can be really hard sometimes. Especially when you only have two fingers.

People sometimes tell me to count to ten but it is quite difficult when you only have pinky and old pointer. Even more so when using the calculator... or typing this blogg for that matter (my fingers are very tired now).

Maybe we could form a merger and develop a renewable engergy business with people who are missing some fingers (we could also let in people with missing toes but I will let you decide that one).

Let me know by responding to this blog.

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