Bill would allow communities to share solar energy

State lawmakers are considering a plan that would make solar power available to more Connecticut homes. The plan is called "Community Solar" because instead of one person putting solar panels on his

News 12 Staff

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Apr 23, 2015, 1:51 AM

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Updated 3,466 days ago

State lawmakers are considering a plan that would make solar power available to more Connecticut homes.

The plan is called "Community Solar" because instead of one person putting solar panels on his or her house, this idea lets whole neighborhoods share a group of solar panels.

The legislature's own study commission recommended moving forward with the plan for shared solar power last year.

Major electric providers like United Illuminating say they're OK with that plan, but that it might cost more for those not enrolled.

State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg says, "They've developed a grid that's used to send energy in one direction - into your homes, into your businesses. Now we're asking them to have a two-way system."

Steinberg says the legislature is likely to pass a compromise bill this year that would create just two pilot programs over the next four years.