[Editor’s Note: The following press release was issued by the Office of the First Selectman of New Canaan.]
First Selectman Rob Mallozzi announced today that the Solarize New Canaan program, which began in December and will end on Earth Day, April 22, has been very successful, more than doubling the amount of solar panel kilowatts in the town from 223 kW to 483 kW.
He also noted that PurePoint Energy, the Norwalk-based solar provider, had just announced that, based on 250kW of solar panels to be installed under the program, New Canaan had achieved Tier 3 maximum savings are based on the kW of the particular installation but for the average size system there would be additional bonus savings of $2,200 from the already discounted pricing. Similar savings will go to everyone that committed during the program.
In addition, activities associated with the program have educated numerous residents about both solar power and energy efficiency audits.
The First Selectman stated, “I was very impressed by how Solarize New Canaan involved so many different groups in looking at ways to become more energy efficient.” In that regard he wanted to thank New Canaan High School, which was the venue for the launch of the program in December, as well as the New Canaan Nature Center and the New Canaan Library for providing venues for later events. He singled out Karl Chevrolet for hosting two events for the program and also for having already put in a solar panel installation at its dealership in town.
Mr. Mallozzi expressed gratitude to the Utilities Commission, which brought this opportunity to his attention as part of the Commission’s focus on energy efficiency opportunities within the State. He singled out the New Canaan Solar Ambassadors—Howard Freeman (Chairman of the Utilities Commission), JoAnne Kennedy (Secretary of the Utilities Commission) and Heather Lauver, who have coordinated the program for the Town and were responsible for reviewing and picking New Canaan’s designated solar installer, locally based PurePoint Energy. They also spearheaded the educational and marketing effort within the Town, which made Solarize New Canaan such a success.
Mr. Freeman, Chairman of the Utilities Commission, stated, “The Utilities Commission’s primary focus has been on improving cell tower service in New Canaan and spearheading bringing natural gas to the Town but we also saw the Commission as tasked with leading energy efficiency initiatives; the Solarize New Canaan program has been a great start in that direction.”
The Solarize program, which is a State of Connecticut initiative managed through its Green Bank, provides all Connecticut towns the opportunity to participate. Once town officials decide to participate in the program, the Connecticut Green Bank and its non-profit energy consultant partner SmartPower assist the town with choosing a solar installer and in educating the residents about solar energy and the opportunities offered through solar power.
Solarize New Canaan is scheduled to officially end on April 22, the day on which New Canaan will celebrate Earth Day. However, according to Tom Wemyss, president of PurePoint Energy, PurePoint Energy will continue to give New Canaan residents the benefit of the maximum Tier 3 discounts, as well as, a somewhat reduced State subsidy for some period of time after April 22. For anyone interested in learning more about the installation and pricing of solar panels, PurePoint Energy can be contacted by phone at 203 642 4105 or its website.