The Connecticut Green Bank proudly announces that 27 Realty Drive in Cheshire has completed a second rooftop solar photovoltaic system installation financed by Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE). The property serves as the headquarters for Barker Specialty Advertising Co. Inc., a family business and leader in the promotional products industry for more than 70 years. The first solar project was installed in 2021 at 55 Realty Drive.
"I believe we all understand the benefits of using solar energy for both cost and sustainability purposes. However, the difficult part for most businesses is navigating the implementation and financing. This is where the Connecticut Green Bank and a vendor-partner such as Verogy are of tremendous value. I would encourage businesses to work with these companies to understand the benefits of a transition to solar energy," said Gerry Barker, President of Barker Specialty.
This new 135 kW solar system was installed by Verogy, a solar developer headquartered in Hartford, who installed the other system. In total, both systems are projected to produce energy savings equal to the energy used by 425 homes in a year and gross total savings of more than $1.5 million over the 25-year effective useful life of the panels.
Barker Specialty is a one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs, including logoed merchandise, apparel, premium gifts, awards, tradeshow displays, and signage. They have a 6,000-square-foot showroom for clients to visit. Barker has earned many industry awards and recognition for being a great family business and employer.
"We were excited in 2021 when the first solar project was completed, and even more so when the Barker team approached us for this larger second project," said Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Green Bank. "Not only does this speak to Barker's continued commitment to sustainability and cost reduction, but this repeat usage of C-PACE financing is a great testament to the value the program brings to building owners."
For more information on C-PACE, please visit www.ctgreenbank.com/buildingsolutions/c-pace. Photos of the installation can be found at www.ctgreenbank.com/barker-specialty-solar.
About the Connecticut Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the nation's first state-level green bank and has since supported the creation of more than 26,000 green jobs in the state, while reducing the energy cost burden on over 66,000 families, businesses, and nonprofits. The Green Bank's vision is a planet protected by the love of humanity, and its mission is to confront climate change by increasing and accelerating investment into Connecticut's green economy to create more resilient, healthier, and equitable communities. This is accomplished by leveraging limited public resources to scale-up and mobilize private capital investment into Connecticut. In 2017, the Connecticut Green Bank received the Innovations in American Government Award from the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation for their "Sparking the Green Bank Movement" entry. To date, the Green Bank has mobilized more than $2.25 billion into the State's green economy. This has reduced the energy costs for thousands of families and businesses, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and worsen public health.
For More Information, Contact:
Rudy Sturk (rudy.sturk@ctgreenbank.com)
