Hartford, CT The Connecticut Green Bank said that the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) in Hartford and the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford are the first two recipients for the award of donated domestic solar hot water equipment. These organizations were selected through a Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be responsible for providing all expenses associated with the installation and commissioning of the systems. The Green Bank has released an updated RFP seeking applications from other organizations that could benefit from the remaining solar hot water systems available for donation.
CTECS is the largest high school system in Connecticut, serving more than 11,000 full-time students in 17 diploma-granting technical schools, one technical education center and two aviation maintenance programs. The systems donated to CTECS will be installed by students and staff at eight of their schools: H.C. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden; Eli Whitney Technical High in Hamden; H.H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson; Platt Technical High School in Milford; Ella T. Grasso Technical High in Groton; J. M. Wright in Stamford; E.C. Goodwin in New Britain; and Emmett O’Brien in Ansonia.
The solar hot water systems will be used as part of CTECS E-House program, which serve as energy efficiency learning laboratories featuring high-efficiency and clean, renewable energy technologies and examples of past and present construction practices. The first E-House was opened in New Britain in 2011, with six more built since. They plan to construct an E-House at each of their locations.
“The town of Branford is grateful for the solar thermal donation. Technology like this helps the town keep operational costs low and simultaneously benefits our environment. We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to being a sustainable community,” said James Cosgrove, first selectman, town of Branford.
The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is a municipal animal shelter and animal control department serving Branford and North Branford. While they are dedicated to the two towns they serve, their adoption and education programs and their community engagement are known statewide. They emphasize and organize programming for children of all ages and adults with special needs to encourage bonding with animals. The two 120-gallon solar hot water systems donated to the shelter are valued at approximately $11,500.
“In partnership with the local energy committee, a local architectural firm and the Office of Sustainability, the shelter’s goal is to become one of the first net zero animal shelters in the country. By producing our own domestic hot water through solar thermal energy this will greatly help us achieve our net zero objectives,” said Laura Burban, director of the shelter. “We believe in helping to protect our environment and make our building healthy, comfortable and safe for all who work, visit and temporarily live here.”
Organizations that could benefit from the donation of the remaining solar hot water systems may apply to the RFP. Preference in award will be provided to proposals that demonstrate the following: benefits to persons of low and/or moderate income; capacity to achieve successful installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the equipment; and educational benefits of the installation and monitoring system output.