Submitted by C-Tec Solar
On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Laurel Place Apartments for one of the state’s largest commercial, single-system solar thermal installations. Attendees included State Senator John Fonfara, Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) president Bryan Garcia and C-TEC Solar owner Mickey Toro. C-TEC Solar of Simsbury designed, installed and monitors the 60-panel system for the 78-unit apartment building, which will offset 70% of the property’s domestic hot water needs.
This project was of particular interest to Senator Fonfara, who is co-chair for the Connecticut General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee. The Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA) was created by energy reform legislation* written by the senator last year. CEFIA allocated federal funding from the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act (ARRA) for the design and installation of this project.
In his speech the senator said, “This solar thermal system will help Laurel Place Apartments save on their energy expenses for many years into the future. This project is but the first of many initiatives to make Connecticut energy independent and to begin building an energy-based economy.”
Prominent local businessman Gene Rosenberg was also present for the ceremony. “I strongly believe in the viability of solar technology. This project is a great example of what can be done to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” he said. Property manager Vera Mladen added, “We feel that if everyone does their small part to help the environment, together we can make a big difference. We are thankful for the programs available to help people like us install this kind of technology and for companies like C-TEC Solar.”
"The 60-panel solar thermal system at Laurel Place is performing very well," commented Mickey Toro, C-TEC Solar owner. "This system produced 1.4 million BTU's in just one day — that's equivalent to 420 kilowatt hours — and it's only early March. Energy output will increase with longer daylight hours."
C-TEC Solar designs, installs and monitors both PV and Solar Thermal Systems throughout the northeast. With fossil fuel prices skyrocketing, people are starting to see the monetary benefits of solar thermal technology. It costs about one-third less than a Photovoltaic (PV) electric system and uses around 70% less energy than traditional hot water heating systems. With Federal and State tax rebates and incentives, a solar thermal system can pay for itself in as little as three years.
About C-Tec Solar
C-TEC Solar, located in Simsbury, Connecticut is one of the most experienced solar contractors in the state with 30 years of industry expertise. Fully licensed and insured, C‐TEC Solar provides complete turnkey and financing solutions for clean technology and alternative energy projects. C-TEC Solar specializes in Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal systems for residential and commercial applications. With an industry leading technology approach, C-TEC Solar effectively manages both small- and large-scale clean energy projects from inception to completion, saving customers time and money for a greater return on investment.
For more information about this and other solar installations, call 1-888-52 SOLAR, or visit http://www.ctecsolar.com
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 http://www.ctcleanenergy.com
