State to again fund solar installations for homes

Preston - Jim Rigney's leased array of solar panels on poles in his backyard costs him $135 a month, but because of that infusion of alternative energy, this July's electric bill only added $53 to that cost.

Last July, without the solar array, Rigney paid nearly $350 for his electricity. The solar array, which was paid for with a $30,000 grant through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, features 240-watt panels built on three poles by Mystic Solar. The lease lasts for 15 years.

"It's cranking out the kilowatts, and I'm loving it," Rigney said Thursday. "It's beating my electric bill right down."

Rigney met with state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, Preston Selectman Tim Bowles, the press, and the owners of Mystic Solar, which installed the solar array, at Rigney's home on Middle Road to publicize the state program coming sometime between October and January to replace the one that made Rigney's investment possible.

That previous state program, which served 783 residents, ends either Monday or Aug. 20, as money runs out, Maynard said. About $21 million was spent over the life of the program, which began in fiscal year 2008.

New state legislation will fund a Green Bank with up to $10 million in ratepayer dollars to be put toward solar energy installations on rooftops or on poles like Rigney's array, Maynard said. The state's new Clean Energy & Investment Authority replaces the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

"Solar energy is a clean, efficient, and now affordable way to supply electricity to your home," Maynard said. "The cost of home solar panels continues to fall, and with state assistance, those who make the investment can expect to see an immediate savings in their monthly budget - even accounting for the cost of the panels."

The new program is funded by a charge of a 10th of a cent per kilowatt on all consumers' electric bills. Incentives include an increase of 5 percent if the solar panels are built in Connecticut, and another 5 percent if they are built in distressed municipalities, Maynard said.

The new program could be available as early as Oct. 1, depending on when the new authority's 11 members are appointed, the lawmaker added.

Anyone interested in the previous program or changes for the new program can visit www.ctcleanenergy.com or call (860) 563-0015 for more information.

p.daddona@theday.com