Renewable or clean energy, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. It is an alternative to nonrenewable or “dirty” energy, such as oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear, which are available in limited amounts and are effectively non-replenishable. Moreover, nonrenewable energy sources endanger the environment and human health through strip mining, fracking, spills, toxic emissions, radioactive wastes and greenhouse gas emissions.
Several countries (Albania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iceland and Paraguay) generate all their electricity using renewable energy and at least 45 other countries obtain at least half of their electricity from renewable resources. The United States generates about 21% of electricity from renewable resources, while Connecticut obtains approximately 6% from renewables (primarily solar, biomass and hydroelectric).
The Town of Fairfield has long been a leader in its support of clean energy, having been among the first municipalities to obtain 20% of municipal electricity from renewable sources. Currently, the Town is believed to have the most solar electric systems on municipal facilities of any town in the State.
A 2014 aerial survey of Fairfield homes indicated that about 5,000 Fairfield homes have rooftop solar potential. With current incentives and market conditions, “going solar” has tremendous economic benefits for Fairfield residents. Residents and businesses can also support clean energy by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset all or part of their conventional energy use.
Achievements to Date:
- Completed 39 solar energy projects on Town properties (including 1.3 Megawatt system at former landfill) that provide more than 16% of town’s electricity
- Town entered into a “Virtual Net Metering” contract under which it agreed to purchase for a period of 20 years approximately 1.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually from a solar facility located in Woodbridge, CT. The kWh will be applied to five municipal electricity accounts.
- Completed solar carports at Fairfield Ludlowe and Warde High Schools, Ludlowe Middle School, Burr Elementary School, Parks & Recreation Center, DPW Garage and Bigelow Senior Center
- 1,162 Fairfield homes have gone or are in the process of going solar
- Microgrids (a local electric grid with defined boundaries that can operate in grid-connected or island mode) completed at Police Station and Wastewater Treatment Plant
Challenges Ahead:
- The Town is running out of suitable rooftop space in municipal facilities, while opportunities for school rooftops are often governed by roof replacement schedules.
- Solar carports and ground-mounted systems may in some cases elicit strong opposition (often by one or a few persons) based on aesthetic grounds.
- School projects come with special scheduling challenges as current practices restrict construction to summer months.
- Many residential rooftops do not receive adequate sunlight due to unfavorable orientation or shading issues; certain rooftops are unsuitable due to material (slate, wood) or age.
- Rebates, incentives and tax credits have or are scheduled to decrease or disappear; “net metering” laws have been replaced with a new tariff system.
- Renewable resources other than solar are generally not viable in Fairfield residential settings.
- Facility owners leasing space to businesses do not pay the electric bill and therefore would not see the benefit of reduced energy costs from going solar.
- Limitations on Virtual Net Metering (VNM) have been a constraint to date and statewide opportunities need to be opened.
Benefits of Clean Renewable Energy:
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change
- Reduction of toxic emissions from burning of fossil fuels
- Improved air quality and public health
- Improved energy stability and security
- Saves money on electric bills
2030 Plan Goals:
- 40% of Town electricity from solar directly generated in Fairfield
- 60% of Town electricity from all green power sources (virtual net metering)
- 5 large-scale clean energy projects (>300 kW each)
- 1,000 residents with solar power at their homes, including low-income
- Support state renewable policies (including wind, geothermal and Community Choice Aggregation)
Long Term Goal: 100% of energy in Fairfield (Town, business, residents) comes from renewable sources by 2050
How Do We Reach Our Goals:
- Leverage federal and state incentives.
- Use power purchase agreements for Town solar projects.
- Pursue “Virtual Net Metering” opportunities with large-scale projects, not necessarily located in Fairfield.
- Use community outreach and community solar for residents.