Let’s Solarize!
Town Webinar: January 14, 2014
Solarize basics
Roles of program partners
Municipal application process
Installer selection process Questions and answers
Today’s Webinar
Quasi-public authority created by PA 11-80 (successor to CT Clean Energy Fund)
Tasked with leveraging public and private funds to drive investment and scale up clean energy deployment in CT
Provides incentives for residential solar through the Residential Solar Investment Program
Develops innovative financing products such as loans and leases that can be used for solar PV systems
About CEFIA
Nation’s leading non-profit marketing firm dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy
Other CT community-based campaigns include Clean Energy Communities, Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge and Energize Norwich
Extensive solar marketing experience
About SmartPower
What is Solarize Connecticut?
Solar. Simple. Together.
Solar. Proven technology
Lowers energy costs
Protects against utility rate increases
Avoids harmful emissions
State & federal incentives
Flexible financing options
Simple. Pre-selected installer
Transparent, discounted pricing structure
Pre-determined equipment (with optional upgrades)
Free, no obligation site evaluations
Clear deadline
Community initiative
Motivated clean energy task forces & solar ambassadors
Backing of municipal leaders & community organizations
Group pricing discounts that increase with the number of contracts
Together.
20 Week Campaign Single Pre-Selected Installer Tiered Pricing – price drops for everybody as more kW of
solar are sold in the community! Tier 1: 0 – 25 kW Tier 2: 25 – 50 kW Tier 3: 50 – 150 kW Tier 4: 150 – 250 kW Tier 5: 250+ kW (represents 36 “average-size” (~7 kW) systems)
Follows “Classic” Solarize Connecticut model, NOT Solarize Choice or Solarize Express Model
Solarize Connecticut –The Basics
CEFIASolar incentives & Financing
Comprehensive programsupport
Contracts with SmartPower
SMARTPOWERMarketing / education
toolkit
Grassroots support
INSTALLER
Turnkey installationOwnership options
Competitive tiered pricing
CUSTOMERGet free site assessment
Decide on ownership model
Tell friends & neighbors
LOCAL COMMUNITYSolar Ambassadors
Engagement of grassroots groups
Event hosting
Communication strategies
Customer Contact Form Event Calendar Town Pages & Tool Kits Program Information Newsroom Testimonials & Videos Social Media
SolarizeCT.com
Phase 1 (Sept. ‘12 – Jan. ‘13) ~ 280 systems in Durham, Fairfield,
Portland & Westport > 2 MW of solar PV Average cost $3.70/watt
Phase 2 (Mar. ‘13 – July ‘13) ~ 160 systems in Bridgeport, Canton,
Coventry and Mansfield/Windham > 1 MW of solar PV Avg. cost $3.99/watt
Results To Date
Lowers purchase cost of solar
Saves money on residents’ electric bills
Improves environment and public health
Earns points for Clean Energy Communities program
Supports energy independence
Enhances home values
Creates local jobs
Benefits of Solarize
“Durham is very pleased to have been part of the successful pilot program offered by Solarize Connecticut. The model allowed us to reach the lowest price level available, saving residents money and helping the environment. The Solarize Connecticut program was a gratifying community-building experience.” - Laura Francis, First Selectman
Timeline
Town RFP
• Issued Jan. 3• Due Feb. 3• Coalitions
allowed• Selections
announced early Feb.
Installer RFP
• To be issued late Jan.
• Due late Feb.• Town shortlist
installers• Interviews• Town ranks &,
with input from CEFIA, selects installer
Campaign Planning
• Feb.-Mar.• Initial town
meeting• Outreach
brainstorm meeting
• Identify media contact
• Schedule launch event
Campaign
• Late Mar.-early Apr.
• Press release• Launch event• E-mail blasts,
mailings• Workshops• Open houses• Bi-weekly calls
Letter of support from chief elected official (1 page)
Identify project manager (town or city employee, task force member or some other volunteer) and other team members
Completed & signed Attachments A & B
Optional – Description of potential team & preliminary marketing plan (SmartPower & CEFIA will help to develop) (1 page)
Special requests for installer (1 page)
Letters of support (1 page, no more than 3 letters)
Town Application Process
Proven success in Clean Energy Communities program
History of solar adoption (potential solar ambassadors)
Strong support from chief elected official
Active clean energy task force
Potential partner organizations
Promotional opportunities at highly trafficked events
Successful Attributes
Must be located in CL&P or UI service territory
Coalition of towns allowed• Mansfield-Windham; Easton-Redding-Trumbull; Ashford-Chaplin-
Hampton-Pomfret; Roxbury-Washington; Columbia-Lebanon are examples of Solarize coalitions
• Towns should be neighboring with good working relationship
Special town requests allowed• American-made panel option• Solar hot water option
Miscellaneous
CEFIA issues RFP to all eligible solar installers
Qualifying proposals shared with municipalities’ review committee (3 appointed persons)
Review committee meets with CEFIA, SmartPower and a technical consultant to create “shortlist” of installers (3-4)
Interviews of installers (each session open to all towns)
Town committee ranks preferred installers
CEFIA assists with selection and contracts with chosen installer
Installer Selection Process
Pricing (important but not the most significant factor)
Experience in Connecticut
Customer satisfaction
Capacity to handle heavy workload
Equipment options
Financing options
Installer Selection Criteria
www.SolarizeCT.comThis presentation will be available at:
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