Solar Initiatives in Old Saybrook
The Town of Old Saybrook is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. We are working to become a SolSmart-designated community by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.
SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that has helped hundreds of local governments become “open for solar business.”
Learn more about the program here.
Solar Energy Resources
On this page, you will find helpful information and resources covering everything you need to know about solar energy in OS.
For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.
The Benefits of Going Solar
- Reduction in Electricity Bills: Solar energy can significantly reduce your electricity bills by harnessing the power of the sun, which is more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional energy sources.
- Great Return on Investment: Investing in solar panels can yield substantial returns over time, leading to incredible long-term savings on electricity bills.
- Increase in Property Value: Homes with solar panels tend to have higher property values.
- Job Creation and Economic Boost: The solar industry is rapidly growing, creating jobs and contributing to the economy. You can also support local solar companies in Connecticut.
- Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a renewable and clean energy source that reduces carbon emissions and other pollutants, helping combat climate change and environmental degradation.
- Low Maintenance Costs: Solar panels have minimal maintenance requirements and can last up to 25 years, making them a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Solar Maps and Potential
Investigate your property’s solar potential by clicking here.
You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.
Helpful tip: To verify a property’s address to include on your solar application, please use Old Saybrook’s MapGeo site. The property addresses listed here correspond with those used on our municipal permitting system.
Solar Energy in Old Saybrook
Aside from our work with SolSmart, the Town of Old Saybrook has shown a commitment to solar energy through various initiatives.
The Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation Department commissioned a strategic plan to encourage investments in solar energy to benefit the community as a whole. Click here to read more.
We've created a permitting checklist with clear guidelines which streamlines the solar permitting and solar inspection process in OS.
For more examples of Old Saybrook's continued solar advancement in our community, please see our Solar Commitment.
Finding a Contractor and Going Solar
Find a solar contractor(s) to assess your home or business for solar energy and provide a quote.
- Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
- Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.
- Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
- Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.
Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions
Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans, upfront payments, or a power purchase agreement (PPA). A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing is a resource from the Clean Energy States Alliance that provides an overview of the different financing options.
State and local incentives:
- For information on financing options in Connecticut, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).
- Many new state programs are expected to be announced in 2024 because of federal funding. Stay tuned for announcements!
Federal Incentives:
- A great place for residents to begin identifying the federal incentives for which they are eligible is this calculator from Rewiring America. The rebates and incentives available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act can vary depending on your location and income.
- Additional details about benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act can be found on the White House’s website or the Department of Energy website.
- The Federal Investment Tax Credit for residential solar continues to be one of the most significant ways to reduce the cost of your solar PV system. Learn more about the federal tax credit, eligibility, and other common questions & answers in the Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics from the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Businesses should refer to the Federal Solar Tax Credits for Businesses.
- Some solar projects will be eligible for bonus credits on top of the 30% Investment Tax Credit. The Inflation Reduction Act provides up to 20% in bonus credits for qualified solar or wind facilities developed in low-income communities; up to 10% bonus for projects located in “energy communities” that have a historic fossil-fuel economy, high unemployment or are developing solar on a brownfield; and 10% domestic content bonus for projects using the required amounts of U.S.-produced steel, iron and manufactured products.
- The World Resources Institute has created an IRA Bonus Mapper tool to help identify communities eligible for low-income and energy community bonus credits.
- Tax-exempt organizations, including non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities, can now take advantage of the federal tax credit through “elective pay” (sometimes referred to as “direct pay.”) An overview of elective pay and Frequently Asked Questions are available from the IRS.
Consumer Protections, Solar Rights, and Procedures
It's essential for consumers to educate themselves on solar options, financing, and incentives available, and the Town of Old Saybrook is committed to assisting our community with this task. The state of CT has initiatives and resources in place to facilitate solar development and provide guidance to consumers interested in going solar:
- The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has established Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices (STEPs) for Solar Development to ensure predictable, efficient, and transparent processes for ground-mounted solar systems.
- Additionally, the Department of Consumer Protection offers a Solar Panel Buyer's Guide to help consumers navigate the process of going solar, emphasizing the importance of understanding contracts, checking credentials, and researching potential electric costs.
Find other useful resources on solar rights, consumer protection, and procedures:
- Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
- Solar United Neighbors’ Solar Owner’s Manual - serves as a support for solar homeowners whether you’ve just gone solar or you’ve had solar for years.
- Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
- As mentioned above, Database of Connecticut Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) – provides state-specific information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Encouraging Solar Development through Community Association Policies and Processes – includes details on how communities can encourage solar development through community association policies.
The Town of Old Saybrook is committed to exceptional customer service related to solar processes.
To promote the continued advancement of solar in our community, we are committed to the following:
- We will continue providing clear guidelines regarding our solar permitting process. Our permitting checklist streamlines the solar permitting and inspection processes.
- Giving businesses and residents personalized solar contractor recommendations when requested.
- Processing solar PV permits applications with a timely turnaround timeline.
- Maintaining a quick turnaround time when working with Eversource on projects that require municipal release of work orders/CRS.
- Assisting the community with all solar-related inquiries.
- Continuing to educate our community and provide resources on solar in Old Saybrook.
Get Involved, Stay Informed
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