Connecticut Reopens its Renewable Energy Grant Program

Connecticut has been on fire with renewable energy incentives.  With the introduction of a more generous solar thermal program and a commercial solar PV program for projects over 50 kW AC, the news just keeps getting better and better.   Yesterday, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) announced the reopening of the On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation (OSDG) program.  OSDG is a grant program that funds the installation of renewable energy equipment for commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities who are Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) or United Illuminating (UI) customers.

Eligible renewable technologies for the OSDG program include solar photovoltaic, landfill gas, wind, low emission advanced biomass conversion, fuel cells, small hydroelectric, and waste heat recovery – power generation.  The minimum project size for renewable energy installations is 10 kW AC.  Applicants will include for-profit companies, not-for-profit companies, municipalities, and state and federal government agencies.  The total funding for the OSDG program includes $12.86 million –   $7.2 million, will be allotted to solar PV installations.

Grants are determined by the economics of each individual project.  The grant will be calculated to provide the system owners with a reasonable breakeven on their investment compared to the price they would pay for power from their utility.  The OSDG program will be a competitive process and only the strongest projects will receive funding.

Historically, OSDG has been a highly popular and successful program in Connecticut.  In its previous version, if funded approximately 200 renewable energy projects at commercial sites throughout the state, contributing to a total installed capacity of 20 MW – these projects have been completed or are currently in progress.

The OSDG grant program will end by June 30^th, 2012 or when funds are exhausted.  It is likely the latter will be true.  If you’re interested in evaluating if your business or institution is a good candidate for solar, please reach out to Brightstar Solar for a complimentary solar evaluation and analysis of your site.