Fairfield Locks In Lowest Price Tier For Extended Solarize Connecticut Program

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfield residents will have a final opportunity to switch to home solar power at a reduced cost through the continuation of the Solarize Fairfield program. Due to the effects of Superstorm Sandy, organizers have decided to continue the initiative until Jan. 14, 2013. Solarize Fairfield was originally scheduled to end Dec. 14.

Fairfield's community joined together to reach the lowest pricing tier in Solarize Connecticut's program, meaning Fairfield homeowners who sign up will receive the program's best pricing. As a result of the pricing tier accomplishment, Solarize Fairfield participants will continue to save an average of $3,500 on home solar energy systems purchased through the program. To date, Fairfield homeowners have contracted 38 solar systems for a total capacity of 299 kW.

"I'm thrilled by the community's response to the program and the growing number of Fairfield homeowners who are interested in going solar to save money and protect the environment," said Fairfield's First Selectman Mike Tetreau. "Solarize Fairfield is an excellent program designed to help our residents experience the affordability and simplicity of switching to solar."

"I want to help get the word out while there is still time to take advantage of the special Solarize Fairfield pricing," said Wendy Lien, Solarize Fairfield's first customer. "The decision to go solar now was a no brainer for us because the town did all the vetting. Installing solar panels was easy and affordable, and it is the right thing for our environment."

More than 300 Fairfield residents have contacted Astrum Solar, which is Fairfield's selected solar installer and also the leading full-service home solar provider based in the eastern United States. Astrum Solar has completed more than 150 physical site surveys throughout the duration of the Solarize Fairfield program. The 299kW solar capacity installed will save 237 metric tons of CO2 annually. During a system's lifetime, these PV systems will save more than 4,700 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of over 900 cars.

"We are thrilled to continue working with the state's Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) on the Solarize Connecticut program," said Michelle Waldgeir, Astrum Solar's vice president of marketing. "Throughout the program's duration, we've seen enormous demand for home solar throughout the area as more residents become aware of the significant cost savings they can achieve by transitioning from traditional energy consumers to clean energy producers. The extension of the Solarize Connecticut program through the holiday season enables homeowners to treat themselves to a gift that truly will keep on giving."

Through the Solarize Fairfield program, Astrum Solar is offering Fairfield homeowners the ability to switch to home solar power for no money down. Homeowners can save instantly on their electricity bill and watch their solar energy savings multiply over the lifetime of their system. Solar energy users can also take advantage of solar energy incentives and make a personal investment through solar energy.

Developed by CEFIA, the city of Fairfield is one of four cities – the others are Westport, Durham and Portland – participating in Solarize Connecticut. The solarize pilot program is designed to encourage the adoption of residential solar PV by developing a coordinated education, marketing and outreach effort, combined with a tiered pricing structure that provides increased savings to homeowners as more people in the community go solar.

"Our goal for Solarize Fairfield was to make solar affordable for Fairfield homeowners," said Bob Wall, CEFIA's director of marketing and outreach. "Before the start of the program, the total number of residential solar installs in Fairfield totaled 38 and in only three months, Solarize Fairfield matched that number. The town's support has been tremendous and we look forward to continuing to help homeowners lower their electric bills with money saving options including a no money down lease."

To receive a free home solar assessment or learn more about Astrum Solar, please call 1-800-903-6130 or visit go.astrumsolar.com/solarizefairfield.

About Astrum Solar

Ranked #2 on Inc. Magazine's 2012 list of fastest growing private U.S. companies, Astrum Solar is the leading full-service home solar provider based in the eastern United States. With Astrum Solar, homeowners can switch to solar power for no money down and immediately begin reducing their electricity costs. The company's rapid growth is fueled by its ability to provide premier customer experiences in which Astrum Solar facilitates every aspect of a customer's seamless transition from a traditional energy consumer to a clean energy producer.

For more information, visit www.astrumsolar.com.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

CEFIA was established by Connecticut's General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA's mission is to help ensure Connecticut's energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation's first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

SOURCE Astrum Solar