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Health & Fitness

Volunteer-Driven Group Solar Purchasing Program to Hold April 3 Workshop

Madison has joined CT Solar Challenge, a group-buying initiative that saves businesses and homeowners on solar energy installations. The program will hold a workshop on April 3.

For Immediate Release...
Madison Joins the CT Solar ChallengeTM

Madison, CT – First Selectman Fillmore McPherson announced today that the Town of Madison has joined the CT Solar ChallengeTM (CTSC), a community-based group purchasing program that promotes the adoption of solar energy through cost reductions, volunteer-driven outreach and education. Madison is one of only four towns selected to participate in the pilot program. The CT Solar ChallengeTM program in Madison will run for a limited time, beginning on April 3, 2013.

CT Solar ChallengeTM is a game changer for the way solar systems are currently sold in Connecticut- making solar simple and affordable for participants. The CTSC model virtually eliminates traditional marketing and advertising costs through the outreach and networking efforts of volunteers. Group savings are achieved by installing multiple solar systems in the same geographic area through a pre- selected single source vendor. These savings are passed on to participants who save thousands of dollars on the cost of installing a solar energy system.

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Solar energy systems are now more affordable than at any point in history. Solar panel prices are at a record low, driven down by heavily subsidized Chinese panels flooding the US market. Participants receive a 35% upfront rebate from the State of CT and a 30% Federal tax credit. Solar systems are also sales tax and property tax exempt, but the window of opportunity is closing.

Connecticut plans to completely eliminate upfront solar rebates in coming months. Residential rebates have been reduced twice in the past nine months, and the downward trend in panel prices has ended abruptly due to U.S. Trade Commission tariffs imposed on Chinese panel imports.

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Each system installed through the program earns the Town of Madison credit towards the installation of a solar system on a town property.

"Going solar is a win - win - win!” says McPherson. “A win for the individual, a win for Madison, and a win for the planet. I urge everyone to come to the free workshop at Daniel Hand High School on April 3 and learn all about the potential of solar energy."

Madison residents and business owners are invited to the kick off of the Madison CT Solar ChallengeTM at the first Solar Workshop to be held on April 3rd, from 7-9 pm at Daniel Hand High School, and may register by visiting CTSolarChallenge.com, clicking the MADISON button and filling out the form.

For more information contact:

Gail E. Spence, CEM, LEED Green Associate DIRECTOR
CT Solar Challenge
1 Research Drive, Suite 2

Branford, CT 06405
800- 505-7419 info@CTSolarChallenge.com www.CTSolarChallenge.com ###

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