Connecticut adds 8.3-MW solar portfolio to seven correctional facilities

Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that seven solar energy systems have been installed and are now operating at six of Connecticut’s correctional facilities in a suite of projects that will generate millions in cost savings while delivering clean, renewable energy to the facilities.

Because correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities.

“Installing solar energy systems at correctional facilities is a way that we can deliver cost savings in the operations of state government while also reducing our carbon footprint,” Governor Lamont said. “Correctional facilities provide a necessary public safety service for our communities, and their around-the-clock operations require a significant amount of energy to function. I am glad that we could get these projects completed and that our correctional facilities can begin taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy.”

The seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 MW of renewable energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels.

The projects are a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) and the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), along with the Connecticut Green Bank and TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company. They were financed by the Connecticut Green Bank in partnership with TotalEnergies. The company will own, operate and maintain the systems through a power purchase agreement executed by DAS.

The correctional facilities utilizing these solar energy systems include:

• Cheshire Correctional Institution, Cheshire (2.4 MW)
• Enfield Correctional Institution, Enfield (181 kW)
• Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire (2.2. MW)
• Osborn Correctional Institution, Somers (2.2 MW)
• Robinson Correctional Institution A, Enfield (83 kW)
• Robinson Correctional Institution B, Enfield (167 kW)
• Willard Correctional Institution, Enfield (1 MW)

News item from the State of Connecticut