Connecticut Technical Education and Career System Celebrates the Completion of Seven Solar Energy Projects Across the State

Seven projects to provide nearly 4 megawatts of clean energy and deliver approximately $5.4 million in lifetime energy cost savings

 

MANCHESTER, Conn. (May 1, 2026) – 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 announced that seven solar energy projects at technical high schools across the state are nearing final completion.

The seven projects, including rooftop and carport installations, will collectively deliver almost 4 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the schools. Additionally, CTECS will save approximately $5.4 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels while reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 2,290 metric tons annually.

CTECS Executive Director Dr. Alice Pritchard, DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman, Connecticut Green Bank Executive Vice President of Financing Programs Mackey Dykes, and Verogy Chief Operating Officer Steven DeNino were joined by students, state and local officials, and other project partners at a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event for a 756.8-kilowatt (kW) carport system serving Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester, one of the schools benefiting from solar.

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the completion of a project, it reflects a commitment to using our resources more efficiently to benefit students while also exposing them to emerging energy technologies,” said CTECS Executive Director Dr. Alice Pritchard. “We’re especially grateful to our project partners for their collaboration in bringing these projects to completion so quickly.”

“DAS is proud to be part of a project that reflects Connecticut’s strong commitment to sustainability,” said DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman. “By expanding clean energy at CTECS campuses, we’re reducing costs, lowering emissions, and creating hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in a growing green economy.”

“These projects are the result of significant coordination among CTECS, DAS, Verogy, and the Green Bank,” said Mackey Dykes, Executive Vice President of Financing Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank.  “Using Solar MAP+, we have helped streamline the process of going solar for state and municipal properties and affordable multifamily housing. We are excited to see these CTECS projects start producing savings.”

“It’s a privilege to help deliver clean, renewable energy to Connecticut’s technical schools, and we’re proud of what this team accomplished together,” said Steve DeNino, Chief Operating Officer, Verogy.  “As a Connecticut-based company, these projects hit close to home. Having the chance to give CTECS students a firsthand look at where the solar industry is headed made these projects especially rewarding.”

“This ribbon-cutting ceremony represents more than just the installation of solar panels; it represents a commitment to our future, fellow students, and our community,” said Olivia Garreffa, senior Electrical student at Howell Cheney Technical High School.

In addition to the carport system serving Howell Cheney Technical High School, the other schools benefiting from the 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) – 832.7 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) – 656.7 kW carport system
• H.H. Ellis Technical High School (Danielson) – 959.2 kW roof and carport system

Full speaking program: Cheney Tech Solar Ribbon Cutting and Dedication

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.

 

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