Invest In Solar Energy

The Town of Hamden is currently administering a solar energy program abundant with local, state, and federal incentives, making this the ideal time to acquire a solar energy system.

Mayor Scott Jackson, together with the Town of Hamden Energy Use and Climate Change Commission, has made a commitment to lowering energy costs and utilizing cleaner energy options. Hamden is one of twenty-two towns in Connecticut chosen to do a Solarize program that offers financial benefits to residential property owners.  As more people sign installment contracts, the price is lowered for everybody.

Full disclosure: my wife and I recently signed a contract to have a ground mount solar panel system installed in our backyard.  We will be doing a Live Install as participants in the Solarize Hamden program.

The state of Connecticut, becoming one of the nation's leaders in energy conservation and green technology, is offering residential property owners who have a solar panel system installed a rebate of up to 35% of the total system cost. On top of that, the federal government is offering a 30% solar tax credit.

Given that the price of electricity will increase by at least 3% every year, it really is a no-brainer to consider a solar energy system. It will likely pay for itself and then some. The average payback for the initial system investment is 6 to 8 years, and then the electricity generated is absolutely free.  A properly sized solar panel system, whether it is more traditionally mounted on the roof or installed as a futuristic-looking ground mount system, can cover 100% of a residential property’s energy use, leaving only a small monthly service charge to be paid to the local utility company.  This means that a typical family of four could go from paying well over $200 per month on average for electricity to a $16 electric bill every month.

Having a solar energy system installed will significantly increase a property's value.  At the same time, solar panel systems are exempt from property taxes in Connecticut.  After a system is paid for, an average residential solar panel system could add approximately $30,000 to the value of the property.  

Through a competitive selection process, C-TEC Solar, a Connecticut-based solar energy company, was chosen to be the official installer of Solarize Hamden.  There will be a series of workshops throughout January for anyone interested in learning how to significantly lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint through solar energy.  For more information, and to find out about the fantastic financing options that are available, visit solarizect.com/hamden