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Deadline Extended For Fairfield's Solar Energy Program

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Solarize Fairfield program has already doubled the number of homes using solar power in Fairfield, and homeowners now have more time to join the program.

Fairfield's Lein family, Patrick, Wendy, Miranda and Max, show off their new solar panels with Public Works Assistant. Director Ed Boman and First Selectman Michael Tetreau.

Fairfield's Lein family, Patrick, Wendy, Miranda and Max, show off their new solar panels with Public Works Assistant. Director Ed Boman and First Selectman Michael Tetreau.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Fairfield is one of four towns chosen for a Solarize Connecticut pilot program, which encourages residents to install power-generating photovoltaic panels on their homes. The system offered discounts to those interested depending on the number of homeowners in town that signed up.

So far, 38 homes in Fairfield have been fitted with panels, doubling the 38 that already had solar power before the program started. The participation rate is high enough that it put Fairfield in the highest discount level, with resident saving an average of $3,500 on installation costs.

“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,” said Wendy Lein, the first customer in Fairfield. 

The initial program was scheduled to end on Dec. 14. But the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), which runs the program, has extended the deadline because of the delays caused by Hurricane Sandy. Homeowners now have until Jan. 14 to sign up for the program.

Fairfield was chosen for the pilot program, along with Westport, Portland and Durham. If these towns are successful enough, the program will expand throughout the state next year. So far, enough solar panels have been installed in Fairfield alone to eliminate more than 900 cars’ worth of carbon dioxide emissions, according to a release by the CEFIA.

“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 First Selectman Mike Tetreau. “Solarize Fairfield is an excellent program designed to help our residents experience the affordability and simplicity of switching to solar.”

Through the program, Fairfield homeowners can contact Astrum Solar for a home assessment. If they decide to sign up for the program, the company will install roof panels for no money down and at a special discounted rate. Those interested can 1-800-903-6130 or visit the Solarize Fairfield website.

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