The federal government is supporting a clean energy public-private partnership which makes renewable energy more readily available to those who need it most. PosiGen’s solar partner, Connecticut Green Bank, will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot program to expand its efforts to make solar power more accessible.
The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit organization, will coordinate this multi-state project to expand market penetration of solar PV among low-to-moderate income (LMI) residents and communities. The US$1.73 million award from the SunShot Initiative will support LMI market expansion activities in five states including Connecticut.
PosiGen and the Connecticut Green Bank have been working together since July 2015 to make solar available to all Connecticut Homeowners, regardless of income or credit score. The unique collaboration has resulted in the launch of "Solar For All" initiatives in four Connecticut cities – Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and New London - with more cities on the horizon. The "Solar For All" program has gained the public support of Connecticut community leaders as well as elected officials including the Governor, State Lawmakers and the Mayors of the above-mentioned cities.
Because of the U.S. DOE SunShot grant, the Connecticut Green Bank can now focus on working with solar and LMI stakeholders in the state to identify the needed analysis and acquire the information and input that are essential for designing and implementing successful state LMI solar strategies. "We have engaged a number of local partners, including PosiGen for single-family and the Connecticut Housing and Financing Authority for multi-family, to make solar PV more accessible and affordable to low-to-moderate income households," states Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. "We are focused on attracting more investment in Connecticut's clean energy economy through public-private partnerships that reduce the energy burden on our most vulnerable citizens."
"PosiGen is honored to be a part of Connecticut Green Bank's commitment to changing Connecticut for the greener," states PosiGen CEO, Tom Neyhart. They are a leader in the green energy movement and we are confident this grant will enable them to help even more low-to-moderate income households reap the benefits of solar and energy efficiency."