Connecticut Transit’s (CT) solar electricity generation system was recently recognized for improving the quality and effectiveness of the agency. The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award Partnership Inc. (CQIA), an advocacy group dedicated to improving the state’s economic vitality, gave its Silver Innovation Prize to CT based on the use of a photovoltaic array located on the roof of one of the agency’s bus garages. The system has been in operation for more than a year and can produce up to 23,100 watts of clean electricity to boost the facility’s overall output. The array needed no maintenance or repairs through its first full year, and provided energy every month, peaking in April 2004. The system releases no emissions, reducing the output of carbon dioxide, sulfur monoxide and nitrous oxide — all commonly produced with traditional electricity generation. Funded by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, it’s the largest system of its kind in the state. “We are honored that the CQIA recognizes the project’s success,” said CT General Manager David Lee. “Our data proves that even in New England the system generates enough energy to help reduce emissions and supplement traditional sources of electricity.” The CQIA also honored CT for its operation of two hybrid diesel-electric transit buses manufactured by New Flyer. Since June 2003, the hybrid buses have averaged 10% better fuel economy than their peer diesel buses and 35% better than CT’s overall fleet average.