Capped New Haven landfill now generating clean energy and lease revenue

NBC Connecticut | Kevin Gaiss
July 20, 2026

New Haven is turning a former landfill into a source of renewable energy, with a new solar array now generating electricity and revenue for the city.

City officials celebrated the completion of a 1,900-panel solar array built on a capped landfill. The project began producing power this month and is expected to generate about 1.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to power roughly 200 New Haven homes.

The land is leased to Greenskies Clean Energy, which pays the city $72,000 annually.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the project demonstrates how the city can repurpose unused land while investing in its environmental future.

"We're on top of the landfill. I got my hat on because there is a lot of sun up here and that is the point," Elicker said.

Elicker said the project represents a transformation from the city's past to its future.

"We are literally standing on the past waste of New Haven and talking about the future of New Haven being an environmental steward," Elicker said.

The mayor said the city continues searching for innovative ways to address its challenges.

"We are always looking for creative solutions to address the challenges we face," Elicker said.

State Rep. Steven Winter (D -New Haven), who also serves as New Haven's executive director of climate and sustainability, said expanding similar projects is not easy.

He, along with the mayor, said red tape, costs, and logistical challenges can make developments difficult, but believes the benefits outweigh those obstacles.

"We want to be able to do these projects faster," Winter said.

Winter said the city is evaluating additional locations for renewable energy installations.

"Whether it's Public Works, Board of Ed, parks, and looking at where can we put a parking canopy? Where can we put a rooftop system?" Winter said.

New Haven is planning six additional solar projects. Five would install solar canopies over parking lots at parks and city schools, including Wilbur Cross High School.

Combined, those projects are expected to generate another four megawatts annually and bring in an additional $250,000 in annual lease revenue.

Winter said the goal is to make better use of city-owned property while reducing pollution. It offers the city an alternative to utilizing other critical resource areas like forests or farmland.

"What can the city do with their property to move the needle on climate change and make our air cleaner?" Winter said.