Manchester, CT – The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) and Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), along with partners the Connecticut Green Bank (Green Bank) and Verogy, recently announced the start of construction of seven solar energy projects at technical high schools across the state.
When completed, the seven solar energy projects, including rooftop and carport installations, are expected to collectively deliver 4.6 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the schools. Additionally, CTECS is projected to save nearly $6 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels while reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 2,290 metric tons annually. The projects will also incorporate a workforce development component, offering both classroom and on-site learning opportunities for students at each school where projects are underway.
(l-r): CTECS Executive Director Dr. Alice Pritchard; State Representative Jason Doucette; Dennis Schain, Town of Manchester; State Representative Geoff Luxenberg; DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman; Verogy CEO Will Herchel; Connecticut Green Bank President and CEO Bryan Garcia; and Howell Cheney Technical High School Principal David Batch
CTECS Executive Director Dr. Alice Pritchard, DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman, Connecticut Green Bank President and CEO Bryan Garcia, and Verogy CEO Will Herchel were joined recently by state and local officials and other project partners at a ceremonial groundbreaking event for a 756.8-kilowatt (kW) carport system serving Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester, one of the schools receiving the solar installation. The other schools where the new solar energy systems will be installed include:
- W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury – 448.8 kW rooftop system
- A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford – 170.5 kW rooftop system
- Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden – 756.8 kW rooftop and carport systems
- Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia – 897.6 kW rooftop and carport systems
- Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury – 616 kW carport system
- H.H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson – 959.2 kW roof and carport system
“This solar project represents so much more than an investment in clean energy, it’s also an investment in our students by giving them exposure to technologies that are shaping the future of their industries,” said Pritchard. “At the same time, the energy savings generated by these systems allow us to redirect operational funds into other programmatic areas. It’s a model for how collaborative projects can advance our educational mission while supporting Connecticut’s energy goals.”
