About
About
The Expansion will be located in East Windsor, Connecticut. The 30 MW solar photovoltaic energy facility will produce roughly 55,000 megawatt-hours each year, which is enough energy to power approximately 4,500 homes, per EPA estimates. The energy produced by the facility will power the New England grid.
The Expansion will be built along Wapping and Rockville Roads in East Windsor, on lands immediately adjacent to the constructed Gravel Pit Solar project.
Solar energy is an abundant, sustainable source of zero-carbon electricity. By replacing fossil fuel-generated energy, the Expansion is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 38,700 metric tons per year. To put that in perspective, that’s the equivalent of removing over 5,500 passenger vehicles from the road, according to EPA approximations.
The Gravel Pit Solar team has extensive experience in Connecticut, working to realize a sustainable future in the state and throughout the region. In addition to the soon-to-be operational Gravel Pit Solar project (which is the anchor to the Expansion), DESRI has two other successful solar farm projects in the state currently in operation. Prior to starting construction on the Expansion, the team has completed a suite of natural and cultural resource studies. These studies were used to design the project so impacts to the natural and cultural resources will be minimal. Our application to the Connecticut Siting Council to amend the approved Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity permit for Gravel Pit Solar and add the Expansion to the current approval was submitted in April.
Connecticut has set ambitious goals to combat climate change, aiming for zero-carbon emissions by 2040. With the Expansion, we're meeting the moment by working with local stakeholders to grow Connecticut’s green economy and replace antiquated fossil fuel-powered sources. Not only will this strategy limit new emissions output, but it will also help stabilize energy prices in Connecticut and across New England.
Our team is working diligently to ensure that the Gravel Pit Solar project and the Expansion bring new opportunities to bolster the regional economy, enrich the local community, and protect the environment. As we move forward, we want to hear from you. As with our other projects in the state, there will be opportunities to attend town meetings to share your input and ask questions. You can also get in touch with us at any time by visiting our contact page.
DESRI is a leading renewable energy developer, owner, and operator. Since its formation in 2011, DESRI has demonstrated a successful track record of developing and owning high-quality, utility-scale wind and solar power plants, including over 70 projects with more than 10 gigawatts ("GW") of contracted generation capacity and approximately 7.7 GW under construction or in operation. Specifically in Connecticut, DESRI currently owns and operates over 165 MW of solar energy generation.
The DESRI team continues to develop new renewable energy projects across the US. We work with local partners to develop solar projects in close coordination with our host communities. We have a history of collaborating with local partners and landowners to respond to their individual concerns.
In conjunction with industry and academic experts, we have established construction and management techniques that reduce environmental impact while improving and maintaining soil health and water quality.
Our design and procurement strategies focus on using advanced solar panel and racking technologies to maximize production and minimize project footprint.
