Last Chance Solar Workshop in Woodbridge

The Woodbridge Energy Challenge hosted the second of three solar workshops in mid April. There will be a“last chance” solar workshop at the Woodbridge Town Library on June 9, and the discounted pricing available through the CT Solar Challenge will be available to Woodbridge residents through July 31.

At the April workshop residents had a chance to ask questions and speak directly with Chris Lenda, the Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Solar, the Town’s chosen vendor through the CT Solar Challenge.

“The Woodbridge Energy Challenge is about giving Woodbridge residents the tools to go solar and save energy,” said First Selectman Ellen Scalettar. “I urge you to look into these options to see how you can help Woodbridge be a greener and more energy efficient town.”

CT Solar Challenge helps communities by leveraging group purchasing power to lower the cost of residential solar installations. Additionally, Woodbridge will earn a free solar energy system to be installed on a Town property. The size of the solar energy system will be determined by the number of residents that participate in the CT Solar Challenge.

To date 12 Woodbridge residents have signed contracts with Aegis Solar for a total of 103.54 kW of solar power. In addition to all the clean energy that will be generated on these residents’ homes, the Town will receive a free 2kW solar array.

The Woodbridge Energy Challenge is also focused on helping residents make their homes more energy efficient. The Ad Hoc Energy Advisory Task Force hosted three workshops on energy efficiency over the winter covering topics such as Home Energy Solutions assessments, insulation and home heating and cooling.

The Task Force has set a goal of doubling the amount of solar energy in Woodbridge and completing 150 home energy audits by December 2015.

The Town’s two selected Home Energy Solutions vendors—New England Conservation Services and New England Smart Energy--have already completed 43 home energy audits. The audits result in an estimated $200 in yearly energy savings per home. They are donating $25 to the Woodbridge Food and Fuel Fund for each energy audit, and offering discounts on insulation as well.

A progress sign in front of Town Hall will track the number of Home Energy Audits completed in Woodbridge homes.