West Hartford Firm Helps Beloved Aquarium Go Solar

Verogy

WEST HARTFORD/MYSTIC, CT — A West Hartford firm is behind a massive project that resulted in the Mystic Aquarium going solar.

Verogy is a West Hartford-based solar developer focused on developing, constructing, and owning commercial, industrial, and small utility-scale projects.

Verogy, located at 124 Lasalle Road, West Hartford, last week announced the successful completion of a 272-kw solar installation at Mystic Aquarium.

The state-of-the-art system, comprised of 600 solar modules, will 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.

"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," Tibus said. "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.

For more information on Verogy, click on this link.

For more information on the Mystic Aquarium, click on this link.