Redding, Conn. – Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Redding, Conn., flipped the switch to solar on Wednesday, energizing an installation that will supply 897,700 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The project is the long-time vision of Meadow Ridge’s resident-led Solar Committee and broke ground in August with the support of the community’s ownership and management company, Senior Care Development, LLC and Benchmark Senior Living.
“This is an exciting day on many levels,” said Meadow Ridge Chief Operating Officer Brett Mehlman. “We can all feel good that we are making this investment in the future of our community and our planet while realizing immediate benefits. In 2025, we expect that over 20-percent of the power we use at Meadow Ridge will be generated by solar.”
The solar arrays at Meadow Ridge will save an estimated $7.6 million in electricity costs over the life of the project while offsetting 605 metric tons of carbon each year. That’s the equivalent of the annual emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles driving over 1.5 million miles.
In a ceremony attended by state and local dignitaries, Mehlman and resident Susan Auslander symbolically energized the project by flipping a giant switch. Two of the project’s three solar arrays are on top of carports over employee parking areas. The third is on the roof of Ridge Crest, Meadow Ridge’s sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing center.
“I’m so proud that we are leading by example at Meadow Ridge,” said Auslander, who has been dubbed the “Green Granny” for her work leading the Solar Committee and advocating for the project. “It took both shared vision and courage for the residents, ownership and management of Meadow Ridge to bring this project to life. I’d also like to thank all of the partners who helped make this happen.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Meadow Ridge community to bring this solar energy project to life,” said William Herchel, CEO of Verogy. “This system not only reflects Meadow Ridge’s dedication to sustainability but also highlights what can be achieved when committed individuals come together with a shared purpose. At Verogy, we are honored to play a role in helping Meadow Ridge’s residents reduce their environmental footprint as they inspire others to embrace clean energy.”
“At the Connecticut Green Bank, we are excited to see all projects that support our state’s green economy become reality. This project is a special inspiration because it connects to our vision statement: a planet protected by the love of humanity. It shows the heart behind the project and the combined effort from the management, the installer, and especially the residents who are a driving force for this community improvement that will benefit Meadow Ridge for years to come. Congratulations to all who made this happen,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.
More information on Meadow Ridge’s solar initiative can be found at www.meadowridge.com/solar.