Meadow Ridge flips the switch on 898,000 kWh solar project

REDDING – The continuing care retirement community Meadow Ridge flipped the switch to solar power Wednesday, energizing an installation that will supply 897,700 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

The project, a long-time vision of Meadow Ridge’s resident-led Solar Committee, 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 COO 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% 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. “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.”

The project was designed and built by West Hartford-based Verogy and financed through a combination of zero-emission renewable energy credits through Eversource, investment tax credits, and a commercial property-assessed clean energy (CPACE) loan from the Connecticut Green Bank.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Meadow Ridge community to bring this solar energy project to life,” said Verogy CEO William Herchel. “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.”

The Green Bank is proud of the progress made at Meadow Ridge surrounding the solar project.

“At the Connecticut Green Bank, we are excited to see all projects that support our state’s green economy become reality,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “This project is a special inspiration because it connects to our vision statement: a planet protected by the love of humanity.”