Building Inclusive Clean Energy Markets: Award-Winning Programs in Connecticut and New York

In this webinar, hosted by the Clean Energy States Alliance, guest speakers from the Connecticut Green Bank and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will present two innovative and impactful programs designed to expand access to clean energy technologies. Both of these programs were recognized with a 2026 State Leadership in Clean Energy Award.

The Connecticut Green Bank’s Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (Solar MAP+) is a clean energy development and financing program that provides end-to-end solar and energy storage project support for municipalities, K–12 schools, state agencies, and affordable multifamily housing, with a focus on underserved markets. Solar MAP+ removes persistent barriers—including limited staff capacity, complex procurement, project risk, and financing constraints—that historically prevent public and mission-driven institutions from accessing solar and storage. Most of the tenants of participating multifamily affordable housing are at or below 80% area median income, and the program shares financial benefits directly with tenants, resulting in an average of $350 in annual savings per tenant. Solar MAP+ has completed 69 projects, installing 56.3 MW of capacity and generating over $150 million in clean energy investment. According to the judges: “Solar MAP+ is innovating the role of the green bank from just a lender to lender and developer. The program is highly replicable, cost-effective, and successful in its implementation.”

NYSERDA’s Clean Heat for All (CH4A): Room Heat Pump Program is a market transformation initiative that spurred the development of new, efficient, easy-to-use room heat pump products and distributed them first to residents in public housing. By developing and distributing plug-and-play heat pump products, the program eliminates the need for costly, complex, and disruptive electrical upgrades. The program’s partnership with The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and The New York Power Authority (NYPA) ensures that the benefits of clean energy technology—such as individualized thermal control, high-efficiency heating and cooling, and improved energy affordability—reach low- to moderate-income residents who are often the last to benefit from climate innovation. The products developed through this program are now being installed in other states. According to the judges: “CH4A is an inspiring and impactful success story. This program’s approach should be applied across the board to other technologies.”

Webinar panelists:

• Mackey Dykes, Executive Vice President of Financing Programs, Connecticut Green Bank
• Emily Basham, Director of Financing Programs – Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (SolarMAP+), Connecticut Green Bank
• Evelyn Bauman, Program Manager, NYSERDA
• Cody Glavey Weiss, Project Manager, NYSERDA
• Warren Leon, Executive Director, Clean Energy States Alliance (moderator)