Pilot Solar Program in Durham Considered a Big Success

With more than 100 Durham residents signed up to install solar energy at their homes, officials are lauding the success of Solarize Durham, a state initiative to develop clean, solar power.

Local interest in solar energy far exceeded the interest in three other pilot towns — Portland, Fairfield and Westport — and resulted in the town reaching tier-5 pricing, the lowest possible cost for residents.

The systems installed in Durham will exceed one megawatt of power.

“Durham is very pleased to have been part of the successful pilot program offered by Solarize Connecticut. The model allowed us to reach the lowest price level available, saving residents money and helping the environment," said First Selectman Laura Francis.

"The Solarize Connecticut program was a gratifying community-building experience," she said.

The program is run by the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, which makes grants to local communities for clean energy initiatives. The more homeowners who signed up for the initiative, the less expensive the installation process became.

“The community leaders working with local installers devoted incredible energy to Solarize Connecticut to help contract approximately 2.3 (megawatts) of new residential solar and more than double the amount of solar deployed prior to the Program in each town," said Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of CEFIA.  

Garcia said the agency expects similar success as they begin the next phase of the innovative program in Bridgeport, Canton, Coventry and  Mansfield/Windham.