$4 million in stimulus funds for Connecticut solar panels

On Oct. 14, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced that Connecticut would allocate $4 million in federal stimulus funds to help homeowners and businesses pay for the installation of solar-powered hot water heating systems through the Solar Thermal Incentive Program.

"I'm really proud of Connecticut's leadership in promoting and using greener, cleaner technology," said Rell in a press release from the state. "This incentive will help hundreds of families and businesses make the switch to renewable energy by saving them money on installation costs and ultimately their hot water bills."

Electric and gas heaters usually cost between $150 and $450 to purchase and install. Purchasing and installing a solar-water heating system typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 - nearly 10 times as much.

But, the Solar Thermal Incentive Program will shrink purchase and installation costs.

"The maximum grant that can be provided for a one to two person household is $2,400," said Emily Smith, managing director of external relations for the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. "For a three to four person household, it's $3,600; and for a five to six person household, it's $4,800."

Commercial businesses are eligible for a maximum grant of $50,000. Non-profit and government agencies are eligible for a maximum grant of $82,500, according to Smith.

Coupled with monthly savings on utility bills, participation in the Solar Thermal Incentive Program will provide a dramatic cost savings to homeowners and businesses.

Solar-powered hot water heating systems generate at least 80 percent of their energy from the sun in homes with sufficient sunlight, which can drastically lower owners' hot water bills. Buildings under continuous and ample sunlight can feasibly access hot water for free.

UConn has been looking into installing solar-powered hot water heating systems in the buildings that are to replace Arjona and Monteith.

UConn usually focuses new environmental initiatives on its cogeneration power plant, said Richard Miller, director of the Office of Environmental Policy. Installing solar thermal energy systems could be a worthwhile investment, because they are so affordable, Miller said.

"Things like solar thermal- that's very doable," he said. "And if there is money for that, we should be pursuing it."

The Solar Thermal Incentive Program will be administered by the CCEF, which estimates that the $4 million in funding will support installation.

It's part of the broader State Energy Plan, which received $38 million in funding from the stimulus package. In addition to providing incentives to use alternative energy, the comprehensive energy plan works to expand fuel-cell initiatives, make state buildings more efficient and create green-collar jobs.

The CCEF anticipates that there is enough funding to support installation of solar-powered hot water heating systems in about 600 residential homes and 120 non-residential buildings.