West Haven expects $ 100,000 in savings from schools solar project

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WEST HAVEN – Schools are letting the sun shine in and officials are looking to save money.

In November, solar power developer Verogy installed a total of 1,600 solar panels at two current West Haven schools – 800 modules at Carrigan Intermediate School and Bailey Middle School each – and 288 modules at the Old School. Anna V. Molloy.

The city and Verogy have entered into a power purchase agreement that locks in a lower power purchase rate on a 25-year contract, resulting in estimated annual savings of $ 118,800 over the 25-year term. Renewable energy is also expected to offset the equivalent of 685 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, Verogy reported in a statement.

Schools superintendent Neil Cavallaro said the panels, although installed, are “not yet plugged in,” but once they are, he expects the district to receive about half of his expected savings for the year – about $ 50,000 – in his budget.

He said the uncertainties of the program’s first year, however, make him reluctant to allocate money he doesn’t yet know he can save.


“I don’t think it would be wise to plan for those kinds of savings, but normally when we save money from things that we’ve done on the facilities side, what we always try to do is spend the money for education and curriculum, “he said.” I’m sure we’ll find a good way to spend it.

The city’s energy consultant issued a tender in March 2020 for energy and lighting upgrades, and Verogy was selected as part of that process.

“Our West Haven projects not only help tackle climate change, but they also provide renewable energy at a reduced cost to West Haven,” said William Herchel, co-founder and CEO of Verogy, in a statement. .

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