Connecticut's Planet Self Storage Gets Solar Energy System Thanks to Grant from CCEF

Planet Self Storage of Newington, Conn., will be installing 27.72-kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic system thanks to a $128,000 grant awarded by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) to help defray costs. The funds, awarded to facility owner Newington Storage LLC, will be provided through the CCEFs On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program. CCEF is a ratepayer fund administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CI).
 
Planet Self Storage is managed by Storage Investment Management Inc. (SIMI), which has been aggressive in promoting energy efficiency in the 28 facilities it operates. The company has hired Ascendant Energy Co. Inc. of Rockland, Maine, to design the solar sytem and serve as general contractor for the project.

Once installed, the system will supply about 30 percent of the facilitys total electrical needs. Consisting of 168 solar panels organized in a 220-foot-long array, it will be located just 18 feet inside the fence surrounding the property and easily viewed by the public. The installation will be the first real example of a ground-mount photovoltaic (PV) system in a Connecticut commercial application.
 
We are delighted there is a program in place to assist commercial property owners in funding renewable-energy initiatives, said Charlie Fritts, SIMI partner and chief operating officer. We strive to be good corporate citizens and operate our properties in an environmentally friendly manner. Over the years, we have implemented other energy-savings programs. Lower energy costs benefit both property owners and customers alike. Newington is our first opportunity to develop a PV system thanks to the CCEF program and excellent assistance from the folks at Ascendant Energy Co.
 
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by CI. It promotes the development and commercialization of clean-energy technologies, the creation of clean-energy supply, and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut. Its funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers utility bills. For more information, visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
 
CI is dedicated to driving an entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. The company stimulates high-tech growth by investing in early-stage technology companies, university/industry research collaborations, technology transfer, and clean-energy initiatives through the CCEF. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with its mission. For information, visit www.ctinnovations.com.