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, today (Oct 29) 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, will collectively deliver 4.6 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the schools. Additionally, CTECS will 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.
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 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 benefiting from solar.
"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 CTECS Executive Director Dr. Alice 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."
"This initiative is a great example of how Connecticut is leading the way in clean energy innovation and workforce development," said DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman. "By investing in solar power at our technical high schools, we're not only reducing our carbon footprint we're also preparing the next generation of skilled workers, trained at these technical high schools, to thrive in a green economy."
"We are incredibly honored to play a supporting role and invest in these projects alongside our partners at CTECS, DAS, and Verogy," said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. "Through our Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (Solar MAP+), we help state agencies, municipalities, school districts, and affordable housing providers install solar and storage, making the benefits of these technologies more affordable and accessible through our no cost technical and financial assistance."
"As a graduate of Wilcox Tech's Electrical Program, I know how valuable hands-on technical education can be," said Torre Babich, Project Manager at Verogy and a Wolcott native. "I started my journey in the electrical trade right here in Connecticut, earning my diploma and completing 2,000 hours of classroom training. Having supported the launch of the engineering phase of the CTECS solar projects, it's incredibly rewarding to see them move forward, bringing clean energy to schools while offering students the same kind of real-world experience that launched my own career."
In addition to the carport system serving Howell Cheney Technical High School, the other schools benefiting from the new solar energy systems include:
- W.F. Kaynor Technical High School (Waterbury) - 448.8 kW rooftop system
- A.I. Prince Technical High School (Hartford) - 170.5 kW rooftop system
- Eli Whitney Technical High School (Hamden) - 756.8 kW rooftop and carport systems
- Emmett O'Brien Technical High School (Ansonia) - 897.6 kW rooftop and carport systems
- Henry Abbott Technical High School (Danbury) - 616 kW carport system
- H.H. Ellis Technical High School (Danielson) - 959.2 kW roof and carport system
From left to right: 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; Howell Cheney Technical High School Principal David Batch
About the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System
Through exemplary trade and academic programming, the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) prepares high school students and adult learners to meet the skilled workforce needs of Connecticut employers. CTECS operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center for grades 11 and 12 and adult learners, and two aviation maintenance technician training programs. CTECS serves approximately 11,500 full-time high school students in over 30 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In addition, over 3,000 adult learners take part in day courses, and evening apprenticeship and extension courses. All CTECS academic and CTE curriculum are designed with relevant, 21st-century employability skills required by business and industry.
About the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) provides timely and cost-effective services to state agencies, state employees, municipalities, private industry, and the public. DAS offers a diverse array of programs, encompassing statewide human resources, information technology, fleet vehicle services, building and construction, procurement, grants administration, and beyond.
About the Connecticut Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the nation's first state-level green bank and has since supported the creation of more than 30,000 green jobs in the state, while reducing the energy cost burden on over 71,000 families, businesses, and nonprofits. The Green Bank's vision is a planet protected by the love of humanity and its mission is to confront climate change by increasing and accelerating investment into Connecticut's green economy to create more resilient, healthier, and equitable communities. This is accomplished by leveraging limited public resources to scale-up and mobilize private capital investment into Connecticut. In 2017, the Connecticut Green Bank received the Innovations in American Government Award from the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation for their "Sparking the Green Bank Movement" entry. To date, the Green Bank has mobilized more than $3 billion into the State's green economy. This has reduced the energy costs for thousands of families and businesses, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and worsen public health. In 2021, the Green Bank's model was expanded to include new areas of environmental infrastructure, related to climate adaptation and resiliency, land conservation, parks and recreation, agriculture, water, waste and recycling, and environmental markets, including carbon offsets and ecosystem services.
For more information about the Connecticut Green Bank, please visit www.ctgreenbank.com.
About Verogy
West Hartford, Connecticut-based Verogy is a leading solar developer with unmatched experience advancing customized commercial, industrial, and utility-scale renewable energy projects. With a diversified portfolio of cutting-edge renewable energy projects and a robust, growing pipeline, Verogy is actively delivering solutions across more than 20 states. Since its founding, Verogy has supported projects in the production of over 200,000 MWH of renewable energy. From project financing to design and construction, Verogy delivers renewable energy solutions that help communities, businesses, and institutions achieve their sustainability goals. Learn more at https://www.verogy.com.
Media Contacts:
Kerry Markey, on behalf of Connecticut Technical Education and Career System
kerry.markey@cttech.org
Leigh Appleby, on behalf of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
leigh.appleby@ct.gov
Rudy Sturk, on behalf of Connecticut Green Bank
rudy.sturk@ctgreenbank.com
Patrick McGloin, on behalf of Verogy
patrick@westlandpr.com
