Commercial Solar Thermal Incentive Program

Check the program web site for information regarding future financing programs.    The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority is offering grants and loans to non-residential entities for solar hot water installations. Only customers of United Illuminating or Connecticut Light & Power are eligible. An energy audit or proof of past (recent) energy efficiency improvements is required. There is no set amount for the grant or loan; rather CEFIA will fund the projects based on project economics, preferring those that require the least amount of funding. CEFIA will also take into consideration factors such as the amount of in-state job creation the project supports (either directly or indirectly, for example through use of major components made in Connecticut), and whether or not funding funding for the project not supported by the incentive program has been secured. CEFIA will also evaluate the public education opportunity, the type and extent of prior energy efficiency improvements, and whether or not the equipment is sized properly for the use.     History   The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) started this program in 2009 using $4 million dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Energy Program funding to support solar hot water heating in the State. In March 2012, the CEFIA board approved interim funding to continue the residential and commercial programs while a new financing program is developed.