Verogy Announces Completion of Solar Project at Mystic Aquarium

Leading solar developer completes award-winning clean energy project at Connecticut’s Mystic Aquarium using Connecticut Green Bank financing programs

 

West Hartford, CT – July 26, 2023 – Verogy, a West Hartford, CT-based solar energy developer dedicated to delivering industry-leading renewable energy solutions and services today announced the successful completion of a 272-kW solar installation at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT. The state-of-the-art system, comprised of 600 solar modules, is set to significantly reduce the Aquarium’s carbon footprint and provide a reliable source of clean energy for decades to come.

“This project is a testament to Mystic Aquarium’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Will Herchel, Verogy’s CEO. “Verogy is proud to have had the opportunity to partner with Mystic to make this great project a reality. By embracing solar energy, Mystic Aquarium is not only saving money, but also serving as a role model for other institutions, demonstrating how we can create a more sustainable future for all.”

Mystic Aquarium’s solar project will produce over 295,649 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually, enough to power 40 homes for a year. Additionally, on an annual basis, the project’s arrays will offset the equivalent of about 209 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the amount of emissions generated by an average passenger vehicle driven more than 537,000 miles every year.

“Over the last couple of decades, Mystic Aquarium has successfully completed a variety of energy conservation initiatives. This is our first solar energy endeavor and thanks to our partnership with the Connecticut Greenbank and Verogy, the project was strategically financed, proficiently implemented, and highly successful in terms of expectations. It’s very gratifying knowing that a portion of Mystic Aquarium’s energy consumption is now being generated onsite and is truly clean and green,” said Keith Sorensen, Senior Vice President of Facilities and Capital Projects at Mystic Aquarium.

The project was executed in partnership with the Connecticut Green Bank, utilizing the Green Bank’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing and Solar Power Purchase Agreement (Solar PPA) programs. With 600 solar panel modules now in place, the installation will reduce Mystic Aquarium’s energy costs by $1.5 million over the life of the project.

Susette Tibus, President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium expressed appreciation for the project’s success, saying, “This solar installation is a significant milestone in our continued commitment to environmental stewardship. We are deeply grateful to Verogy and the Connecticut Green Bank for their partnership and expertise. Together, we are making a tangible difference in our community and setting a precedent for future sustainable initiatives.”

The Mystic Aquarium project was also selected as a recipient of a 2022 Outstanding Project Award from the Connecticut Green Bank. “This award-winning project is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving a more sustainable future,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “We salute Verogy for their expertise and dedication, and we commend Mystic Aquarium for their forward-looking commitment to the environment, sustainability, and clean energy. We look forward to the many visitors to Mystic Aquarium bringing clean energy to their buildings as well.”

Verogy is proud to have contributed to Mystic Aquarium’s significant reduction in reliance on fossil fuels and looks forward to the positive environmental impact this project will have for years to come.

 

About Verogy

Verogy is a West Hartford, CT-based solar developer focused on developing, constructing, and owning commercial, industrial, and small utility-scale projects. Built on 75+ years of combined industry experience, the professionals at Verogy have developed, financed, and constructed hundreds of solar projects across the United States. Learn more at verogy.com.

 

About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to a variety of species while also serving as the northeast’s premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Robust conservation and education programming along with unparalleled visitor experiences serve to strengthen personal connections to the animals and their environments. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education, and research, and introduces approximately 800,000 guests annually to thousands of animals through structured interpretations, specially curated exhibits, and hands-on interactions. As a leading research organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on the conservation and sustainability of our ocean planet.