Manchester Announces Solar Installations at Seven Municipal Buildings

Metro Hartford Alliance | Staff
December 13, 2022

The Town of Manchester is proud to announce the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at seven municipal buildings, including six schools. The solar systems are projected to save the Town more than $100,000 annually in energy costs and more than $2.1 million over the term of the power purchase agreements (PPA). These solar projects are made possible in part thanks to the Connecticut Green Bank’s Solar Municipal Assistance Program (MAP), which simplifies every step of the solar process so towns can realize all the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy with fewer challenges. Solar developer Greenskies Clean Focus was responsible for the installation of the systems.

In total, more than 5,200 solar panels have been installed at Verplanck Elementary School, Highland Park School, Manchester Regional Academy, Martin Elementary School, Waddell Elementary School, Manchester High School, and the Water & Sewer Building. Five of the seven systems will be energized by the end of the year, with the last two expected to go online in early 2023.

“We are excited to lead the way in partnering with Solar Map to reduce energy costs for Manchester Schools and municipal buildings,” said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. “This project showcases the Town’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing renewable efforts and is one step closer to ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for the Manchester community.”

“I appreciate all the work and collaboration that it has taken to get this far and am excited that we are positioned to have lower energy costs for years ahead,” said Matt Geary, Manchester’s school superintendent. “But more important is how this benefits our students. Investing in clean, renewable energy is one more way we can ensure a better future for them.”

Through Solar MAP, the Green Bank provides technical support to municipalities to develop solar PV projects on municipal buildings, such as town halls, emergency services buildings, schools, and more. The Green Bank also provides financing for the solar systems through a PPA, which allows the municipality to access solar with no upfront installation costs, no new debt to incur, and no operations and maintenance costs.

“Manchester was one of the first participants in Solar MAP, and we are excited that their projects are now installed and reducing the energy costs for the town,” said Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Green Bank.

“Greenskies is proud to be part of the Green Bank’s Solar MAP program to help Connecticut municipalities achieve energy savings by installing solar,” said Stanley Chin, President and CEO of Greenskies Clean Focus. “We appreciate this opportunity to support Manchester’s commitment to sustainability with seven on-site solar systems.”

Inclusive Prosperity Capital (IPC), a non-profit organization, partners with Green Bank to own and maintain the system.