Portland Announces Solar at Brownstone Intermediate School

Renewable Energy Magazine | Staff
April 5, 2023

The Town of Portland, Connecticut, has announced the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Brownstone Intermediate School. The 67 kW system is projected to save the Town more than $10,000 annually in energy costs and more than $206,000 over the term of the power purchase agreement. This project was installed by Greenskies Clean Focus and was part of the Connecticut Green Bank’s Solar Municipal Assistance Program, which makes every step of the solar process easier for towns. Portland is one of the first towns to complete the program which is now in its fourth year assisting dozens of towns with solar support.

“We are thrilled to have this new solar system installed and active in Portland. Being able to help the environment while at the same time saving on our energy costs is an enormous win-win for everyone,” said Ryan Curley, Portland First Selectman.

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.

“As one of our first group of Solar MAP towns, Portland has been an excellent partner as the Green Bank team supported the project from inception through completion. We are excited to see this solar installation at Brownstone energized and begin saving the school money,” said Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank.

“Greenskies is thrilled to see the solar project at Brownstone Intermediate School come to fruition,” said Stanley Chin, President and CEO of Greenskies Clean Focus. “We are proud to partner with Connecticut Green Bank and the Town of Portland to help reduce operating costs for years to come with the addition of clean, renewable solar power.”

Inclusive Prosperity Capital (IPC), a non-profit investment fund dedicated to financing clean energy projects that benefit traditionally underserved markets and projects, is partnering with the Green Bank to own and maintain the system.

“Inclusive Prosperity Capital is thrilled to support the Town of Portland, and the Green Bank in its efforts throughout Connecticut in support of these catalytic partnerships,” said John D’Agostino, Managing Director at IPC. “This project is a perfect example how effective partnerships between mission-aligned organizations can expand access to clean energy.”

For more information on the program visit ctgreenbank.com/solarmap/.