Connecticut Celebrates Solar Projects at Department of Veterans Affairs Campus in Rocky Hill

Two systems totaling 1.404 megawatts are projected to save approximately $2.2 million in energy costs over 20 years

(ROCKY HILL, CT – November 10, 2026) – The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Connecticut Green Bank, and their partners recently marked the completion of solar installations serving DVA's main campus and skilled nursing facility in Rocky Hill. The projects are designed to deliver renewable electricity and reduce energy costs at the campus. The Green Bank developed the projects through its Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (Solar MAP+). Kearsarge Energy L.P. has partnered with Connecticut Green Bank as the long-term owners of these projects as well as nine others and will also oversee Operations and Maintenance. Greenskies Clean Energy served as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the two DVA installations. The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) were also key partners in the contracting, permitting, and evaluation of these projects.

"To Governor Lamont and your administration, thank you for having the vision for the GreenerGov CT initiative, providing reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-saving energy for residents and businesses in Connecticut, which is one of your top priorities, along with countless others, enabling Connecticut’s 3.6 million residents to thrive. Our team at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs thanks you for your full support of this solar field project and for all you do through your significant partnerships to sustain and improve the environment and the quality of life for Connecticut residents and beyond. It was a great day for our veteran residents and staff as we cut the ribbon on this significant energy-saving project. This remarkable solar field will power most of our Veteran Healthcare Center and part of our Residential Program, generating estimated savings of $100,000 per year and $2.2 million over the next 20 years. This important project will modernize our campus through clean energy production while saving Connecticut taxpayers millions of dollars in the decades to come,” said Ron Welch, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Ret.), Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The two systems have a combined capacity of 1.404 megawatts DC and are projected to generate approximately 1.84 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The systems are projected to offset 85% of electricity use for the skilled nursing facility and 35% of the electricity use at the main campus building.

“This project brings together two important commitments: advancing sustainability in state government and supporting the people who have served our nation," Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. "DAS is proud to support this project and the broader Greener Gov CT partnership.”

"The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has the honor of co-chairing the GreenerGov initiative with the Department of Administrative Services and Office of Policy & Management. At last year's annual GreenerGov awards ceremony, the Department of Veteran Affairs was recognized for achieving a 3.3% greenhouse gas reduction between 2023 and 2024," said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. "This solar project will not only further reduce greenhouse gases but also demonstrate measurable value for taxpayers by lowering energy costs across DVA operations. I applaud the DVA's commitment to improving Connecticut's government and environment."

GreenerGov is a lead by example initiative that sets goals for state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make other improvements to reduce environmental impact.

“Through Solar MAP+, the Connecticut Green Bank is helping state agencies, schools, municipalities, and affordable multifamily property owners turn clean energy opportunities into real projects that deliver long-term financial and environmental benefits. We are proud to partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs on a project that will reduce energy costs and support this important campus for years to come,” said Mackey Dykes, Executive Vice President of Financing Programs, at the Connecticut Green Bank.

“Kearsarge Energy is pleased to build a substantial and long-term partnership with Connecticut Green Bank as they continue to be a leader in developing renewable energy solutions that not only reduce the use of fossil fuels but also provide solutions for entities to lower their energy costs,” said Andrew Bernstein, Managing Partner of Kearsarge Energy.

“As a Connecticut company, it is a privilege to power the main campus that serves our State's veterans. Projects like this show what's possible when public and private partners, along with strong and stable incentive programs, work together: long-term clean energy and savings for the buildings people rely on every day. We're grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Green Bank for their partnership, and we're ready to deliver many more projects like this across the state,” said Dan O'Brien, Chief Commercial Officer, Greenskies Clean Energy.

The solar projects at the Rocky Hill campus include:

• DVA Main Campus, Rocky Hill: 604.8 kilowatts DC; projected annual generation of 784,914 kilowatt-hours; projected 20-year energy cost savings of $665,373.
• DVA Skilled Nursing Facility, Rocky Hill: 799.2 kilowatts DC; projected annual generation of 1,059,062 kilowatt-hours; projected 20-year energy cost savings of $1,538,083.

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About the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs provides residential and skilled nursing services at its Rocky Hill campus and helps veterans and their families access benefits and services through its Office of Advocacy and Assistance.

About the Connecticut Green Bank
Established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the first green bank in the United States, the Connecticut Green Bank uses public funds to attract private investment and make clean energy more accessible.

About Kearsarge Energy
Kearsarge Energy develops, finances, and owns renewable energy projects. The company works with municipalities and other tax-exempt organizations to develop projects and structure long-term energy agreements.

About Greenskies Clean Energy
Greenskies Clean Energy is a commercial solar developer, owner, and operator headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut. Since 2009, the company has originated, developed, constructed, financed, owned, and operated solar projects across the United States. To date, Greenskies has developed and constructed more than 400 MW of solar projects across 735+ projects in 19 states, serving corporate, commercial real estate, public-sector, and utility customers.

About the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services provides shared services such as procurement, construction, and facilities management to support state government.

About the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection protects the state’s natural resources and works to make energy cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable for Connecticut residents and businesses.