Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell announced a programme to help low- and moderate-income residents cut their electricity expenses and build on the state’s commitment to renewable energy. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund(CCEF) is making solar energy a real possibility for many Connecticut households by combining the success of its solar rebate programme with the unique characteristics of solar leasing.

How does a solar electric system work? Residential photovoltaic (solar) cells in modules are mounted on your roof and convert sunlight directly into DC power. A basic grid-tie system, as shown below, consists of solar cells and a grid-tie inverter. Solar cells take the sun's energy and turn it into DC electricity. The inverter turns the DC electricity generated by the solar cells into utility grade AC power for use in your home or business.

The Governor said that by creating more opportunities for renewable energy sources, we can assist individuals, reduce energy costs, improve air quality and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil. He said a Hartford, Connecticut family of four with a total household income of less than $121,000, for example, would qualify for a complete solar photovoltaic system with no down payment required.

Hartford, Connecticut climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's F and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's F.

The annual average precipitation at Hartford is 44.29 inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 3.99 Inches.

In Hartford, an average home size is 1100 sq feet with an age of approximately 65 years. During the summer, this consumer is paying $200/month (USD) for electricity without air conditioning in this home. In the winter, they pay about $150/month.

A 5-kilowatt (kW) solar power system included 30, 167 watt solar energy modules installed on a south facing 30-degree roof pitch. The system also included a 240 volt DC-to-AC inverter.

This example solar power system is capable of producing 5090 watts of peak power (based on manufacturer output ratings). This solar power system produces about 4,895 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, after taking into account various real-world efficiency losses. The annual utility electric expense was reduced approximately 70.6% by using solar power.

Total costs of this example system were $37,064, including all equipment, permits and installation. According to the Appraisal Institute, energy saving improvements increase your home's value by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual energy usage. In this case, the value of the home was increased by $11,514 in current dollars. The economic break-even point for this installation is 11.1 years.  X

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CCEF is designed to combine a solar rebate program with the financial power of leasing so a complete installation is possible without the high upfront cost. CT Solar Leasing, LLC, a non-bank subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, will finance the purchase and installation of the systems. By owning these systems, CT Solar Leasing can take advantage of federal business tax incentives presently unavailable to consumers.

CT Solar Leasing’s monthly payment for a typical 5-kilowatt system is approximately $120 on a 15-year lease. Overall, the Solar Leasing program increases value of the home; decreases use of fossil fuels used for heating and cooling with a reduction in CO2 off gassing; and provides on-going electric bill savings for the resident. A truly green proposition for Connecticut citizens.   X