MANCHESTER – Metropolis officers have introduced plans to put in photo voltaic vitality panels and programs in seven municipal buildings, that are projected to save lots of town greater than $100,000 per 12 months in electrical energy.
Metropolis supervisor Steven Stephanou mentioned the photo voltaic initiatives are being completed by an influence buy settlement with the Connecticut Inexperienced Financial institution, which pays all prices up entrance by the Municipal Photo voltaic Help Program.
The Connecticut Inexperienced Financial institution was established by the state in 2011 as a quasi-public group, utilizing authorities subsidies and personal sector buyers to help the expansion of “inexperienced” vitality.
Stephanou mentioned initiatives have been accomplished at Martin, Waddell, and Verplank elementary colleges, in addition to Highland Park College and Manchester Regional Academy.
The programs at Manchester Excessive College and the Water & Sewer Division constructing are anticipated to come back on-line early subsequent 12 months.
Stephanou mentioned the settlement permits Inexperienced Financial institution to find its photo voltaic programs on metropolis property for a 20-year interval.
Connecticut Inexperienced Financial institution retains possession of the programs in the course of the time period of the settlement, and is solely liable for any upkeep.
The Connecticut Inexperienced Financial institution mentioned it partnered with Greenskies Clear Focus to put in the gear, and with Inclusive Prosperity Capital, a non-profit group, to personal and keep the system.
Stephanou mentioned the association permits town to obtain sustainable, reasonably priced vitality for its buildings, whereas the Inexperienced Financial institution receives monetary advantages together with tax credit and income from the sale of the generated vitality. electrical energy again to the utilities grid.
“We’re not paying the price of the set up … we’re simply saving the cheaper energy,” Stephanou mentioned, including that town expects $2.1 million in financial savings over the course of the settlement.
Stephanou mentioned on the finish of the 20-year settlement, the city will buy the photo voltaic vitality gear from Inexperienced Financial institution or enter into one other energy buy settlement with a 3rd get together.
Superintendent of Colleges Matthew Geary mentioned he welcomes the fee financial savings of the photo voltaic program, but additionally sees it as a profit for town’s college students.
“Investing in clear, renewable vitality is one other method we are able to guarantee a greater future for them,” Geary mentioned.
The renovated “net-zero” Buckley Elementary College, accomplished earlier this 12 months, has photo voltaic panels and geothermal wells unbiased of the Inexperienced Financial institution settlement.
The overhaul is funded by the $93 million SMARTR2 referendum permitted in 2019, which is break up between $88 million in bonding and $5 million in reserve funds.
The venture consists of renovations at Bowers, Buckley, and Keeney colleges, in addition to planning for upgrades at different colleges.
Plans for Keeney have been permitted in November, with a “net-zero” design that features photo voltaic and geothermal programs just like Buckley.
The renovations are scheduled to be accomplished in 2024.
Stephanou mentioned the city is happy to be one of many first cities to work with the Connecticut Inexperienced Financial institution’s Photo voltaic Municipal Help Program.
“This venture demonstrates town’s continued dedication to main renewable efforts and is a step nearer to securing a cleaner and extra sustainable future for the Manchester neighborhood,” mentioned Stephanou.
Joseph covers Manchester and Bolton for the Journal Inquirer.
