Solar Energy Initiative

SCRCOG is working with national, regional, and local organizations to promote the usage of solar energy throughout the region. Our goal is to promote regional education, collaboration and pro-active planning for renewable energy projects.

Why Solar?

As a renewable energy source, solar power generates natural, sustainable, and clean energy from the sun. Additionally, solar power reduces reliance on traditional and more costly greenhouse gases. The utilization of solar power benefits the local Connecticut economy though job creation and electric grid resiliency, particularly in times of peak demand and system stresses. The advantages of solar energy are accessible to residential, public, and commercial properties.

What is Your Solar Potential?

Identifying the solar potential of your building will help quantify the potential benefits when deciding whether or not to invest in solar energy. Google Project Sunroof is an online solar map that shows the solar potential throughout Connecticut.

To view a specific report on your property, check out these online tools:

– The National Renewable Energy Laboratory PVWatts: calculates energy production and cost within grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar systems

– Solar Estimate: analyzes the ideal panel number and kW to install based on roof characteristics, and estimates energy savings and cost based on zip code.

– Energy Sage: compares quotes from multiple solar installers, and estimates your savings and ideal solar design.

Connecticut Solar Policies and Community Solar

Connecticut has implemented a variety of policies to promote and develop the solar industry statewide. The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) lists regulatory policies affecting solar technology in Connecticut. Additionally, the Connecticut General Assembly Website allows you to stay up to date on current legislative issues and track bills pertaining to solar energy.

Community Solar

Community, or shared solar, is comprised of local solar facilities, in which the energy produced is shared by more than one property. More information on community solar can be found on the EnergySage community solar page, as well as the Solar Energies Industries Association (SEIA), community solar page. Shared solar is a great option for buildings where solar installation is not possible and multifamily housing, and also offers financial benefits to users.

Connecticut is exploring the benefits of community solar and has two active shared renewables programs:

1. Virtual Net Metering authorized for municipal customers in Section 121 of Public Act 11-80, and expanded to agricultural and state customers through Section 35 of Public Act 13-298.

2. The Shared Clean Energy Facility Pilot Program, a two-year initiative enacted through Public Act No. 15-113, in response to the creation of the statewide Shared Clean Energy Facility program in Public Act 18-50.

Resources for Local Governments

SolSmart has a variety of resources to aid local government solar development efforts, such as:

– A General Guide for Local Governments

– Best Practices in Solar Planning and Zoning (webinar and slide deck)

– Best Practices in Solar Permitting and Inspection (webinar and slide deck)

– SolSmart Field Inspection Checklist

– Guidelines to Simplify the Permitting Process

– A Solar + Storage Guide for Local Governments

– Webinars for expanding solar in low-to-moderate income communities (Part 1 & Part 2)

– SolSmart’s Practical Approaches to Installing Solar Technology on Historic Properties

– SolSmart’s guide to Solar Development on Public Facilities and Under-Utlized Land

These resources, along with others, are summarized in a streamlined process in SolSmart’s toolkit for Local Governments. Additionally, municipalities may apply for SolSmart Designation HERE – SolSmart provides free consultation, free technical assistance and free trainings to help you achieve designation seamlessly.

Energize CT has also developed a webpage which compiles resources for local governments in the areas of permitting, inspection, training, planning and zoning, and project deliverables.

The Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), a branch of the U.S. Department of Energy, has also compiled a database of solar resources for government officials on the topics of procurement, financial support and technical assistance.

SOLSMART

SolSmart is a national program encouraging local and regional governments to adopt policies and practices that foster local solar markets and promote the utilization of solar power.

Participating municipalities and other government entities are recognized for accomplishing certain goals, such as streamlining the process of solar power implementation, by receiving Solsmart designation. Solsmart helps participants achieve designation by developing a library of resources and providing no-cost professional technical assistance and advisors.

In the South Central Region, the towns of Hamden and Branford have achieved SolSmart designation as of 2022.

Click here to get started and apply for SolSmart designation. Click here to access the SolSmart Program Guide.

SCRCOG has been awarded a SolSmart Silver designation. As the ninth regional government organization in the United States to receive SolSmart designation, SCRCOG demonstrates a commitment to making the region more solar-friendly and environmentally sustainable by adopting programs and practices that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar.