Ferazzoli Imports of New England Inc., which conducts business as Galleria Stone–an importer, distributor and fabricator of tile and natural stone–is the most recent business to reduce its energy burden by installing a renewable energy source on its building through Connecticut Green Bank’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE), an innovative program that helps property owners access affordable, long-term financing for smart energy upgrades to their buildings.

Northeast Smart Energy LLC of Hartford will install a 125-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system to the roof of the Galleria Design Center, in Middletown, Connecticut. The estimated annual energy cost savings exceeds $37,000.

“The C-PACE financing program is the smartest long-term solution for achieving our clean energy demands,” said Jerry Martorelli, owner of Galleria Design Center. “With C-PACE, we are able to reduce operation expenses and increase efficiency, all while making a measurable impact on the environment and surrounding community.”

Through C-PACE, a building owner can pay for green energy improvements over terms up to 25 years through a voluntary benefit assessment on their property tax bill. Building owners can secure long-term, low-interest capital to fund these energy improvements, with no upfront costs required. The program is structured so that the energy savings offset the benefit assessment – meaning positive cash flow for the business – and includes a technical review process that leaves building owners feeling confident in the predicted energy savings of their project.

This project is part of Connecticut Green Bank’s Energy on the Line program, funded through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund. Energy on the Line provides supplemental funds to eligible manufacturers who complete a qualifying green energy project using the C-PACE program.

“Manufacturers, who feel the burden of energy costs more than anyone, can realize substantial benefits from green energy projects,” said Mackey Dykes, vice president of commercial, industrial and institutional programs at Connecticut Green Bank. “C-PACE is a perfect fit for manufacturers, allowing them to take control of their energy costs and realize predictable positive cashflow. The solar project at Ferazzoli Imports is an excellent example of how green energy and C-PACE can improve a manufacturer’s bottom line.”