Connecticut Re-Opens Solar Rebate Program

Back in November 2008, Connecticut stopped accepting new applications for its popular residential solar rebate program. Now it's back.

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which was created by the state's General Assembly, said Wednesday it's open for business thanks partly to money from the federal stimulus package.

The state had to suspend the residential rebate program because of state budget shortfalls. Maryland also ran out of money last year. New Jersey retooled its program to replace rebates with energy credits as incentives after being surprised by how popular it was last year.

The CCEF has set aside $3.1 million for the Small Solar PV Program this time around. About $1.5 million of the fund came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, while the remaining came from the state's electric ratepayers.

The rebate program provides $1.75 per watt for solar energy systems are 5-kilowatt or smaller, and $1.25 per watt for larger systems that can't exceed 10 kilowatts.

The CCEF said the money should be able to fund 325 residential projects through June 2010.