Project Highlight
Connecticut Celebrates Seven-Site Solar Portfolio

Harnessing the Sun to Reduce Costs and Emissions in State Facilities

Correctional facilities operate 24/7, 365 days a year, making them among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities. On a journey to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of these state institutions, the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) and the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) partnered with TotalEnergies and the Connecticut Green Bank to install seven solar PV systems at six correctional facilities across the state.

The seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.

“Installing solar energy systems at correctional facilities is a way that we can deliver cost savings in the operations of state government while also reducing our carbon footprint,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Correctional facilities provide a necessary public safety service for our communities, and their around-the-clock operations require a significant amount of energy to function. I am glad that we could get these projects completed and that our correctional facilities can begin taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy.”

Collaborative Framework and Long-Term Vision

The success of these seven solar projects highlights the power of inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnerships. The Connecticut Green Bank played a crucial role in financing the projects in conjunction with TotalEnergies, who will own, operate, and maintain the solar systems under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with DAS. This innovative financing model allows the state to benefit from clean energy without significant upfront capital investment.

The correctional facilities utilizing these solar energy systems include:

  • Cheshire Correctional Institution, Cheshire (2.4 megawatts)
  • Enfield Correctional Institution, Enfield (181 kilowatts)
  • Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire (2.2. megawatts)
  • Osborn Correctional Institution, Somers (2.2 megawatts)
  • Robinson Correctional Institution A, Enfield (83 kilowatts)
  • Robinson Correctional Institution B, Enfield (167 kilowatts)
  • Willard Correctional Institution, Enfield (1 megawatt)

Key Facts

Customer:
Connecticut Departments of Administrative Services (DAS) and Correction (DOC)

Location:
Connecticut

System Size:
8.3 MW

Installation Type:
Ground Mount

Date of Completion:
2025

Notable Benefits:
The combined seven systems will save more than $11 million in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 5,000 metric tons annually