City Solar Panel Supplier Gets $350K State Grant, Loan

A Middletown solar panel supplier is among five Connecticut small businesses that qualified for a combined $1,020,000 through the state’s Small Business Express Program, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s signature small business program that was created as a part of the bi-partisan Jobs Bill passed during last year’s Special Session.

has been awarded a $100,000 Matching Grant and a Job Creation Incentive Loan in the amount of $250,000.

“From entrepreneurs creating cutting edge products in emerging industries to business leaders looking to expand long-standing companies, EXP is a program that demonstrates the state’s commitment to Connecticut’s small companies and their role in creating and protecting the jobs that will strengthen our economy,” said Malloy.

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

A solar integrator that specializes in solar financing, system design, project implementation, coordination, long-term system monitoring and maintenance, Greenskies will hire four new employees over the next three years as they work with several major multinational corporations to scale up a number of successfully completed pilot installations at locations throughout the northeast.

“We are lucky to have a visionary renewable energy company like Greenskies right in our own backyard in Middletown,” said Senator Paul Doyle. “This grant will help Greenskies continue to thrive and create jobs for four new people. This is the kind of investment we need to get the state’s economy back on track and get people back to work.”

“It is really great to see another business right here in our community expanding and growing with the support of the state,” said Rep. Joseph Serra. “Greenskies, particularly with its mission of encouraging the use of solar energy, is a great fit for the Small Business Express program which will help add jobs to our local economy.”

"This is the direction our state needs to continue traveling, small business support and green jobs," said Rep. Gail K. Hamm. "I'm thrilled anytime investment comes to Middletown."

"This Small Business Express Program is doing exactly what was intended when I voted for the Jobs bill last year. Businesses like Greenskies Renewable are able to use this grant to expand operations and hire new employees, and win for the business and for the state," said Rep. Christie Carpino.  

"Greenskies is creating green jobs right here in Middletown. As a member of the Energy Committee, I've long been a supporter of renewable energy and I'm thrilled that Governor Malloy is helping this great solar business expand in Middletown,” said Rep. Matt Lesser.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program web page or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov.