NORWALK -- City officials Tuesday touted the installation of a solar
array on a canopy located on the top deck of a parking structure at 542
Westport Ave.
The 100-kilowatt system will generate enough
power to operate 13 homes per year, which is the equivalent of
offsetting 77.01 tons of CO2 Emissions, or taking nine cars off of the
road for one year.
"Connecticut is seen as a leader in the
nation on energy infrastructure and this is just one example of what we
do," said Senator Bob Duff. "All branches of the government worked
together in concert and I'm very happy to be standing here today as a
result of their actions."
The system is estimated to save the building owner approximately $667,750 over the course of 25 years.
"The energy generated from the solar system
will power the exterior lighting of the building, which breaks down to
about $17,000 a year," said Kira Savino, Director of Operations at Sound
Solar Systems. "It basically runs the meter backward. In the months
where extra energy is produced, the amount will be taken off the next
electricity bill."
The project received funding from the
Connecticut Zero Emission Renewable Credit program through Connecticut
Light and Power as well as through the Commercial Property Assessed
Clean Energy (C-PACE) program administered through the Clean Energy
Finance Investment Authority (CEFIA).
"Our task is to make existing solar
technologies accessible and create savings for commercial landlords in
the tri-state area," said Tony Savino, principal of Sound Solar Systems.
"New financing programs and opportunities, such as C-PACE are making
the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy systems much
easier for property owners to obtain. It is encouraging to see so many
resources being added to the clean energy space and we are excited to be
at the forefront."
Savino thanked the city of Norwalk for its cooperation with the project.
"If a solar system is installed on top of a
roof, it tends to not get so much scrutiny," Savino said. "But when it's
in a parking lot, it gets a lot of attention. But they (city officials)
stuck with us. I really appreciate towns and cities who get engaged."
District C Councilman John Kydes said the
solar system will not only have a positive impact on the environment,
but also bring about awareness to the community.
"I'm very happy to see that this project has
achieved completion," Kydes said. "I admire your initiative to get this
project going."
