With a multitude of solar panels now installed, Citrine Power's 2.6-megawatt solar array has grown into shape and is nearing completion in a North Branford farm field at 127 Forest Road.

On April 7, North Branford Economic Development Director shared a photo from the site showing installation of the array's 6,000 panels. The ground-based rack and panel array, which fills about 10 acres among 27 acres on the farm property, began construction in late January. Citrine is leasing the land, part of Page Farm, from property owner Mark DiLongo for a period of 25 years. In addition, Citrine has entered a private-public partnership with the Town of North Branford. Once the solar array is operational, both the landlord and the Town will benefit from virtual net metering agreements with energy provider United Illuminating (UI) for the 25-year period.

As previously reported, North Branford's annual savings should range between 20 to 30 percent of the utility bill generated by all Town properties; or approximately $90,000 to $120,000 per year. 

The solar array, which will be fenced in, will be bordered by plantings of shrubs and other landscaping, including sunflowers. The sunflowers planted will be part of North Branford Economic Development Commission's ongoing "Sunflower Project" sunflower seed planting program.  Citrine is sponsoring the 2022 seed program.