The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund reportedly is launching a lease program that will allow middle-income homeowners to install solar panels with no down payment and monthly installments of $120.
AFC First Financial Corp. is helping the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund roll out the program, according to the company”™s President Peter Krajsa, who disclosed the initiative July 9 to the Morning Call of Allentown, Pa., where AFC is based.
CCEF already offers a rebate on the purchase of residential solar panels, equal to $5 per watt on the first 5 kilowatts of energy capacity purchased and $4.50 per watt for the next 5 kilowatts. The maximum incentive is $46,500.
Connecticut also offers a sales tax exemption on the purchase of solar and geothermal heating systems.
In separate news, CCEF is allocating $2.5 million to support the installation of photovoltaic panels at affordable housing developments, following a 2006 pilot in five municipalities. The funds allow developers to apply for grants to defray a portion of the upfront costs of installing panels.
CCEF is overseen by Connecticut Innovations Inc., a state-funded organization in Rocky Hill that promotes technology development.
