Greenskies completes 6.1 MW solar array to benefit five Connecticut colleges

Solar Builder | SB Staff
March 30, 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, Conn., will save CSCU an estimated $9.4 million in energy costs within the first 20 years.

Utilizing 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. As a result, school buildings at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic and Western Connecticut State University in Danbury addition to 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.”

In addition to the financial benefits, this project is expected to generate upward of 8.8 million kWh of clean, renewable energy every year.

“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.

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. Converting unused or underutilized land into a solar farm helps expand the availability of renewable energy and preserve valuable soil for future generations. At the end of its lifespan, the solar installation will be removed, and the land returned to its original state.

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.”

“We are pleased to work with the Beriah Lewis Farm, another Connecticut business deeply rooted in the local community, and we look forward to a long relationship over the lifetime of the project,” said Chin.