Connecticut lawmakers and clean energy advocates presented a new report today revealing the local jobs and economic benefits that could result from community solar during a press conference. Community Solar: Ready to Work for Connecticut is a jobs and economic benefits report showing how a statewide community solar program in Connecticut could spur 2,580 full-time jobs in 2018. The report also highlights more than $370 million in total local economic benefits for the state in addition to more than $6 million from property tax revenue in the first year of operation.
“Connecticut is missing a critical opportunity to grow green jobs — good-paying jobs — by failing to embrace community solar projects across the state. We’re frittering away years of momentum on solar installations by sticking to a failed pilot program. Now is the time to correct course and return to sound policies, including a statewide community solar program, which will once again make Connecticut an attractive state for solar projects,” challenged State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (Westport).
Community solar gives families, businesses, and local institutions access to the benefits of solar without hosting it on their own roof by allowing subscribers to “plug in” to small local solar projects and receive credit directly on their utility bill. The report, based on a National Renewable Energy Lab economic model, estimates a state economic impact of $374 million for a 200-MW community solar program, which would be enough to power more than 20,000 homes with clean energy statewide.
“Vote Solar’s report confirms that a full-scale community solar program would not only promote equal access to clean energy, but would also add high-wage jobs and generate millions of dollars in property tax revenue and economic benefits,” said Claire Coleman, climate and energy attorney at Connecticut Fund for the Environment. “Many other states already benefit from community solar programs. It is time for Connecticut’s leaders to stand up for a clean energy future that will bring both economic and health benefits to Connecticut residents.”
News item from Vote Solar