Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Free Solar Power for Staples

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), Staples and SunEdison hosted a dedication ceremony on Jan. 16 to unveil the largest solar power installation in New England at Staples’ 300,000-square-foot retail distribution center in Killingly, Connecticut. The solar power installation, built at no capital cost to Staples, was made possible through the collaborative effort of CCEF, which provided a $1.7 million grant for the project, and SunEdison, which financed the remaining costs of the project and designed and installed the system.

Is this the way we want to see our solar projects financed? Or is this type of financing necessary to enable expansion of the industry so it is more competitive with conventional power? I certainly think that the end user should pay a share of the costs. I don't especially blame Staples for taking advantage of a business opportunity.

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