Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Add Solar

Smart Energy Decisions | Staff
March 31, 2022

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) is using solar to generate power to its campuses with the completion of the second of nine offsite solar systems.

Greenskies Clean Focus, a Connecticut-based commercial solar developer, completed the 6.1 MW ground-mounted solar array in North Stonington, CT, which will help CSCU realize an estimated $9.4 million in energy savings within the first 20 years.

Utilizing a mechanism called virtual net metering (VNM), the North Stonington solar farm will allocate power to five CSCU campuses across the state. VNM works by allowing CSCU to utilize power generated at a remote site for facilities not directly connected to the solar array.

The school buildings at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic and 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 in a statement. “Greenskies is thrilled to continue supporting CSCU’s ongoing solar energy initiatives.”

This project is expected to generate upwards of 8.8 million kWh of clean, renewable energy every year.

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