Two Branford Elementary Schools Go Solar, Saving $248K Over 20 Years

BRANFORD, CT — Two Branford elementary schools are now capturing the energy of the sun to produce electricity. The town announced that the power produced at Mary R. Tisko and Mary T. Murphy is expected to have a "cost savings over of $248,000 over the next 20 years."

“This project aligns with the town’s goals and initiatives to use renewable energy to save on energy costs," First Selectman James Cosgrove noted, adding the town "continually looks for cost-effective opportunities to make our facilities greener and more resilient."

Working with the Connecticut Green Bank, the town used a Power Purchase Agreement which enables consumers to readily switch to solar via a turn-key operation, the town noted in a news release.

"An electronic dashboard connected to the system will be available for students to access, view and learn about energy production in real time," it's noted. Branford public schools consume around two thirds of the town’s annual energy usage.

"We're happy that after pandemic related supply chain delays, our two solar installations are finally up and running," schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Tranberg said. "I plan to work with my team to find ways to build curriculum connections for our students to take advantage of the many science and climate-related learning opportunities this project provides."

The two elementary schools were able to "go solar" using the Green Bank’s Solar Municipal Assistance Program, which provides technical support to help municipalities develop solar projects on their buildings, according to officials.

The Green Bank also provides financing for the solar systems through a PPA, which allows the municipality to access solar with no upfront installation costs, no new debt to incur, and no operations and maintenance costs, according to the town. The two new systems were installed by Greenskies Clean Focus.

“We are excited that these systems will not only help Branford save on their energy costs but will
serve as educational tools for staff, students, and their families to learn about the benefits of solar
energy,” Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Green Bank, said.

Other projects completed by the town include solar panels at Branford Fire Headquarters, also site to a geothermal energy project; Transfer Station; Branford High School; and a 4.3 solar farm located at Tabor Drive. In addition, the town has entered into a contract with Verogy, a solar farm located in Bristol, to supply energy credits to eight town-owned facilities.