CT Solar Challenge Expands into Guilford

CT Solar Challenge, a grassroots initiative that partners with towns to lower the cost of solar installation, announced today that it will expand into Guilford stating next month.

The newly formed Guilford Energy Challenge, coming on the heels of the successful Madison Energy Challenge next door, seeks to reduce local energy consumption and promote green energy.

The Challenge will kick off with a workshop from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on March 9 in the Guilford Room of the Guilford Community Center at 32 Church St.

Also attending the workshop will be experts from CT Solar Challenge’s partners, Aegis Solar Energy, the program’s solar installer, and New England Smart Energy (NESE). They will explain state programs that seek to reduce energy usage and make homes and businesses more efficient through solar installations, insulation upgrades and other energy efficiency measures.

Aegis will also provide an instant analysis of a home or business’ suitability for solar energy.

As an added bonus, NESE will offer a onetime light bulb swap for the first 100 people who register and attend the workshop. Residents may bring up to two incandescent bulbs with proof of residence, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, and exchange them for an equal number of energy-saving LED bulbs at no cost.

Pre-registration at www.guilfordenergychallenge.com is required to participate in the light bulb exchange.

Aegis Solar Energy, meanwhile, will donate $75 to Roses for Autism for every solar installation in Guilford. Roses for Autism (RFA) is a Guilford-based non-profit organization that operates Pinchbeck Farm, which sells roses grown there to benefit those with autism. The organization provides job training and employment opportunities for adults living with autism. RFA is the first initiative under Growing Possibilities, a non-profit organization founded by Ability Beyond in 2009.

Pinchbeck Rose Farm Managing Director Michelle Ouimette and Head Grower Tom Pinchbeck said they are honored that their organization was selected to participate in the program.

Pinchbeck, who recently installed a solar system and had an energy audit done at his home, will also act as a “solar ambassador” for Guilford Energy Challenge.

“I’m very pleased Guilford residents will have the same opportunity as Madison to install solar for less and learn how to cut back costs by reducing energy usage,” Pinchbeck said in a statement. “CT Solar Challenge is a community effort, using local residents to promote and explain solar to their friends, neighbors and family. Engaging the community enables the program to cut costs and pass on those savings to residents. I urge residents to attend CT Solar Challenge’s upcoming workshop.”

Towns that have partnered with CT Solar Challenge are: Bethany, Chester, Clinton, Derby, East Haven, Hamden, Madison, North Branford, Old Saybrook Westbrook and Woodbridge.

For more information on CT Solar Challenge, visit its website at www.ctsolarchallenge.com.