Connecticut colleges benefit from Greenskies solar arrays

Solar Power World | By Billy Ludt
March 29, 2022

Greenskies Clean Focus completed the second of nine offsite solar systems planned for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU). The 6.1-MW ground-mounted solar array in North Stonington, Connecticut, will help CSCU realize an estimated $9.4 million in energy savings within the first 20 years.

Using virtual net metering (VNM), the North Stonington solar farm will allocate power to five CSCU campuses across the state. VNM allows CSCU to use power generated at a remote site for facilities not directly connected to the solar array. School buildings at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Manchester Community College in Manchester and Tunxis Community College in Farmington will benefit from reduced energy costs.

“Our latest project with CSCU helps them further reduce operating expenses and take additional steps toward a more sustainable future,” said Stanley Chin, president and CEO of Greenskies. “Greenskies is thrilled to continue supporting CSCU’s ongoing solar energy initiatives.”

Located in North Stonington, off Boombridge Road, along the I-95 corridor, this ground-mounted solar array consists of nearly 14,000 solar panels and occupies approximately 27 acres of land leased from Beriah Lewis Farm. At the end of its lifespan, the solar installation will be removed, and the land returned to its original state.

“It was an honor to work hand-in-hand with the Lewis Brothers and Greenskies to devote a portion of their property to a project that creates significant savings for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, helps sustain the Lewis family’s continued farm operations and leaves the door open to future reuse of the property for purposes that suit the owner’s needs,” said Adam Teff, general manager of TitanGen.

The Beriah Lewis Farm, in operation since 1791, sells meat and dairy products to restaurants and markets throughout southeastern Connecticut.

“Solar is a win-win situation. Hosting solar on our land makes great environmental sense,” said Ledyard Lewis. “It honors the tradition of this land to provide for our community.”