Expanding Solar PV Finance and Markets in Connecticut and Minnesota

This webinar highlighted two programs from CESA’s 2018 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards: Connecticut’s “Solar for All” Partnership, and the Xcel Energy Renewable Energy Development Fund (REDF) Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) Solar Demonstration Project.

The Connecticut “Solar for All” Partnership is a ground-breaking public-private effort between the Connecticut Green Bank and PosiGen Solar Solutions. With Green Bank support, PosiGen offers a low-to-moderate income (LMI) targeted solar lease paired with energy efficiency measures for homeowners, regardless of income or traditional measures of creditworthiness.  Since the partnership launched, solar penetration in Connecticut’s low-income communities has increased 188% and over 800 low-income verified households have signed up to go solar with PosiGen. “Solar for All” is an exemplary model of how to bring LMI energy solutions to scale and achieve inclusive prosperity in the clean energy economy.

In Minnesota, the MPRB Solar Demonstration Project, supported by Xcel’s REDF, installed 200 kW of solar PV in the Minneapolis parks system to model the incorporation of renewable energy into public amenities. The project demonstrates an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for public works or parks projects to mitigate energy costs, while limiting the carbon footprint and promoting local solar businesses. The project’s installations demonstrate a variety of solar designs and are located in diverse, high-traffic public areas to showcase solar to a large number of visitors and stakeholders. The project includes specific education and interpretive program components.

Each program is successfully expanding solar PV deployment in their state.

Webinar Presenters:

• Craig Wilson, Principal and Owner, Sustology
• Mark Ritter, Renewable Development Fund Grant Administrator, Xcel Energy
• Kerry O’Neill, Vice President of Residential Programs, Connecticut Green Bank
• Beth Galante, Vice President of Business Development & Government Relations, PosiGen

Learn more about the 2018 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards here.