New Haven Free Public Library Unveils Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System

[Lee Cruz]

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Contact: David Goldberg Director, Government and External Relations Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority Phone:  [phone]

New Haven Free Public Library Unveils Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System        System awarded under the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority's (CEFIA) Clean Energy Communities Program   Rocky Hill, Conn., February 28, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) and the City of New Haven today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the New Haven Free Public Library (Fair Haven Library) to unveil a 13.5 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The system was installed by Connecticut company, Ross Solar Group, and awarded through CEFIA’s Clean Energy Communities Program.   At the ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks were made by representatives from the City of New Haven, Fair Haven Library staff, CEFIA, and Ross Solar Group.   "These solar panels are the latest clean energy arrivals in the City. We have fuel cells at Clemente Leadership Academy and behind the Hall of Records. We have solar panels for Barnard and Davis Street schools. This spring and summer, our school buses will run on biofuel. New Haven is committed to the use of financially smart renewable energy wherever possible" stated City of New Haven, Mayor DeStefano. New Haven was the first town in New England to commit to the Clean Energy Communities Program (Program) in 2003 and has maintained the highest participation level in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program. Under the Program, cities and towns across Connecticut may become a Connecticut Clean Energy Community by committing to clean energy and energy efficiency; and securing a minimum of 100 residential sign-ups to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) CTCleanEnergyOptions program. The CTCleanEnergyOptions program encourages Connecticut residents, who are customers of CL&P or United Illuminating, to voluntarily support clean energy by selecting a clean energy offering from one of two clean energy suppliers – Community Energy or 3 Degrees. A total of 103 Connecticut cities and towns are now Connecticut Clean Energy Communities. "New Haven demonstrated bold leadership in becoming the first town in the northeast to commit to a clean energy future. This vision has helped to stabilize energy costs, develop a vibrant green economy, and create a healthier environment within the community and throughout our state" Said Bob Wall, CEFIA Director of Marketing and Outreach. Fair Haven Library is one of three new solar installations recently earned by New Haven through the Clean Energy Communities Program. CEFIA funded the total cost of the Fair Haven installation for $71,060.00 and previously installed a 2 kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system at Common Ground High School and a 4.44 kW system at Lighthouse Point. In the future, CEFIA plans to apply additional Communities qualifications to facilitate the installation of a small wind turbine, a solar PV, and a solar hot water system at Long Wharf Pier. For more information regarding CEFIA’s Clean Energy Communities Program or the CTCleanEnergyOptions program please visit http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/YourCommunity.   About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80.  This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.  CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state.  As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut.  For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.   ###