Solar Panel Installation Furthers Riverfront Recapture’s Commitment to Green Infrastructure
Riverfront Recapture has completed the installation of 113 solar panels atop the roof of the Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse in Riverside Park. The 40.1kW power system, installed by Sunlight Solar Energy, was energized February 19 and will offset 82% of the boathouse’s annual electricity consumption. The estimated annual production of the system is 47,521 kilowatt hours which is the environmental equivalent to removing an estimated 52,296 pounds of CO2, 55.22 pounds of SO2 and 76.62 pounds of NOX from the air, or planting four acres of trees or driving 62,736 fewer miles in your typical family car.
“We couldn’t be happier about our decision to bring solar power to our parks,” said Michael Zaleski, President and CEO, “This marks a significant milestone in our overall commitment to increase conservation of natural resources and reduce our environmental footprint.”
The solar panel installation is part of Riverfront Recapture’s long-term commitment to sustainability, which began in 2014 with upgrading the park lighting to LED, which significantly reduced electricity usage in all four riverfront parks. Wherever possible, Riverfront Recapture is committed to utilizing green methods and materials in our work and fully committed to the preservation and protection of Charter Oak Landing, Great River Park, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Riverside Park and the Connecticut River.
Ongoing improvements to park infrastructure include utilizing bioswales instead of the traditional catch basins and drain pipes to allow for a natural return of storm water to the ground and river. Significant staff and volunteer time is devoted to controlling invasive plants to allow native flora to flourish and planting trees to restore canopy cover which reduces the heat island effect of urban areas. Plans for the future include the development of a two-plus mile expansion of our Riverwalk trail system to Windsor, creating an alternate non-motorized, carbon-free transportation option.