Installation will supply nearly all the facility’s power needs

By Savannah Mul

The solar panels are divided across two sections on the roof of CDI’s 140,000 square foot facility in Stratford. Photo by Joe Palisi.

Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly completed 630kW solar installation on the roof of its Stratford headquarters and distribution center on June 13, 2017. John Parke, President of CDI, welcomed town and state officials, staff and guests. “We are proud that this project decreases our impact on the environment and can serve as a symbol to our associates that a new and different approach can be the best one,” said Parke. “We are a sales and logistics organization that is always more successful when we can be more efficient, and when we welcome new and innovative ways to get our jobs done.”

EnterSolar installed the 1,884 solar panels, which was completed in less than six months. Paul Ahearn, President of EnterSolar said, “CDI is offering their employees the opportunity to work in a facility that draws its power from a renewable source – the sun. They are offering their partners the ability to work with a business with long-term vision and sustainable values, and they are being a good corporate citizen and neighbor by nearly eliminating their dependence on the grid.”

The solar array will generate nearly 90-percent of the company’s annual power consumption and avoid 742,308 pounds of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to powering 81 homes, saving 61,875 gallons of gas, or planting 14,251 trees each year.