Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community in Redding, broke ground August 6th on its much-anticipated solar installation. When complete, the project will supply Meadow Ridge with 897,700 kilowatt-hours—or 17-percent—of its annual electricity, for an estimated savings of $7.6 million in electricity costs over the life of the arrays. The amount of solar energy produced will also offset 627 metric tons of carbon each year.
Meadow Ridge’s Solar Committee, leadership, local dignitaries, and others attended the official ceremony on the front lawn of the community’s hilltop campus.
“This is an important moment, not only for Meadow Ridge but also for senior living communities as a whole,” said Meadow Ridge Chief Operating Officer Brett Mehlman. “Communities like Meadow Ridge have a tremendous opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and add value for their residents by incorporating green energy alternatives. I’m grateful for the work of our Solar Committee, which saw this through from an idea to where we are today.”
“The vision and grit of the members of the Solar Committee of Meadow Ridge is formidable and I’m honored to be here today as they celebrate their success,” said Sen. Ceci Maher (D-Wilton). I’m impressed by their efforts to bring solar to their home and hope their work stands as an example for others.”
Resident Susan Auslander, who championed the project as chair of the ad hoc Meadow Ridge Solar Committee, put the ceremonial shovel in the ground. “This is an exciting moment that we’ve worked toward for many years,” she said. “I’m grateful that the leadership at Meadow Ridge shared our vision and am excited that we can make a lasting difference for our grandchildren and beyond.”
The project, built by West Hartford-based Verogy, includes the construction of three arrays. Two will be placed on top of new carports that will be built as part of the project and one on the roof of Ridge Crest, Meadow Ridge’s sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing center. It is expected to be energized later this year.
The project is made possible with a commercial property-assessed clean energy (CPACE) loan from the Connecticut Green Bank, zero-emission renewable energy credits (ZRECS) through Eversource, and investment tax credits.