Connecticut Green Bank Receives National Clean Energy Leadership Award for Solar MAP+

The Connecticut Green Bank has won a national award for its Solar MAP+ program, which helps towns, schools, state agencies, and affordable multifamily housing get solar and battery storage installed. The Clean Energy States Alliance, a coalition of state energy agencies, gave Connecticut its 2026 State Leadership in Clean Energy Award, one of seven given out this year.

Solar MAP+ works by having the Green Bank act as a project developer, not just a lender. It handles site analysis, contractor selection, proposal review, and financing, so organizations without energy staff or procurement experience can still get solar projects built. Since launching, the program has completed 69 projects totaling 56.3 megawatts of capacity and more than $150 million in investment.

For renters in affordable housing, the program has a direct effect on utility bills. Tenants in participating properties save an average of $350 a year. A recent expansion selected eight Connecticut properties for new solar projects that will bring about 2.4 megawatts of power to 473 housing units, with property owners expected to save roughly $569,000 over the life of the projects and tenants continuing to save more than $350 annually.

If you live in affordable multifamily housing in Connecticut, or your town, school, or state agency is considering solar, this program is designed to remove the usual hurdles — cost, complexity, and lack of staff — that keep these projects from getting built. Other states may look to Connecticut's approach as a model going forward.