The Town of Ridgefield, in partnership with Davis Hill Development and the Connecticut Green Bank, has officially announced the completion and commissioning of a 1,038 kW solar carport at Ridgefield High School.
According to certain reports, the stated project will effectively generate approximately 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity on an annual basis, reducing the school’s energy costs and carbon footprint while simultaneously delivering an estimated $1.5 million in savings over the next 25 years.
More on that would reveal how the project should be able to power the equivalent of nearly 100 homes per year, reinforcing Ridgefield’s leadership status in climate action and community stewardship.
“This project is a great example of what’s possible when forward-thinking communities and strong partners come together,” said Micah Brill, Vice President of Asset Management at Davis Hill Development. “Ridgefield had a clear vision, and with the support of the Green Bank and Patriot Renewable Energy Capital, we were able to bring that vision to life–delivering real savings, clean energy, and long-term value to the town.”
Talk about the whole effort on a slightly deeper level, we begin from how the project was financed on the back of an innovative structure which included support from the Connecticut Green Bank, whereas on the other hand, a tax equity investment from Patriot Renewable Energy Capital. AEC Solar will play the role of an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner.
The project will also get to leverage federal Investment Tax Credits enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Next up, we must dig into the fact that the deployed solar system is uniquely integrated into four separate Town- and School-owned electric meters. Such a mechanism, like you can guess, really goes the distance to facilitate optimal use of on-site solar production and full participation in programs like Connecticut’s Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES), Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credits (ZRECs), and Class I RECs.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in the fact that this particular effort builds upon Ridgefield’s broader sustainability initiative, which began nearly a decade ago and includes rooftop solar installations at eight other schools and municipal buildings.
Founded in 2013, Davis Hill Development’s rise up the ranks stems from providing turnkey solar and storage solutions that deliver environmental, financial, and community benefits. The company’s technology, at present, empowers municipalities, businesses, and landowners to reduce energy costs through solar installations and community solar programs, including initiatives that expand access for low-to-moderate income (LMI) residents.
The scale of DHD’s operations can also be understood once you consider operates nearly 200 distributed energy projects across 15 states.
Turning our attention towards Connecticut Green Bank, it makes a case for itself by being the nation’s first state-level green bank. Till date, the company has supported creation of nearly 30,000 green jobs in the state.
It has also shrunk energy cost burden on over 71,000 families, businesses, and nonprofits.
“At the Green Bank, we’re always looking to foster partnerships that make the benefits of clean energy projects a reality, including creating significant energy savings and supporting jobs in our communities,” said Mariana Cardenas Trief, Director of Investments at Connecticut Green Bank. “This is the latest of multiple solar projects that we have worked with DHD Renewables and the Town to complete, and we are proud to continue this support as they reduce their energy costs and move Connecticut closer to its clean energy goals.”
