Greenskies completes two solar carport arrays at Connecticut schools

Solar Builder | Chris Crowell
June 27, 2022

Connecticut commercial solar developer Greenskies Clean Focus completed two 129-kilowatt (kW) solar carport arrays for the Town of Madison, Connecticut – 342 modules each at Walter C. Polson Middle School and Daniel Hand High School, supported by Terrasmart racking.

Annually, the panels will generate more than 319,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy. Over the next 20 years, these projects will offset 4,450 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 5,360 acres of U.S. forests. (Source: US EPA Greenhouse Gas Calculator)

“As a coastal community, reducing our environmental impact is top of mind. Madison is a forward-thinking town,” said Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. “More renewable energy from solar decreases our carbon footprint while also mitigating rising energy costs.”

Madison’s Board of Selectmen issued a request for proposals in September 2020 and selected Greenskies to design, engineer, construct, finance, operate, and maintain two solar photovoltaic carport systems on school property through that process.

As a result, the Town and Greenskies entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that locks in reduced electricity rates, which will lead to an estimated $558,000 savings over the 20-year term.

“Incorporating solar energy is a cost-effective way to help towns like Madison make the most of their budgets,” said Stanley Chin, President and CEO of Greenskies. “A solar PPA is a reliable way to reduce energy expenses with predictable electricity rates. Plus, there are no up-front costs or long-term maintenance fees.”