Vermont is facing a dual challenge: a critical need for more affordable housing and an ambitious goal to transition to renewable energy. A new development in Shelburne, the Bay Ridge neighborhood, stands as a powerful example of how to tackle both issues at once. This project delivers 94 new, energy-efficient homes, powered in part by a solar array designed and built by Norwich Solar.
On September 24, project partners, community members, and state leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this significant achievement. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit required to bring such a vital project to life. Developed by the Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth, Bay Ridge creates a lasting community asset with 68 affordable apartments and 26 affordable condominiums.
Norwich Solar, in collaboration with our dedicated in-house RunTime Solar crew, is proud to have contributed our expertise to this initiative. We designed and constructed the 150 kW AC ground-mount solar array that directly benefits the rental apartments, providing low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents with clean, locally generated power for their units.
A Model for Vermont's Future
The need for projects like Bay Ridge is clear. Recent assessments show that Vermont must significantly increase its rate of home construction—potentially doubling or tripling it—to restore a healthy housing market. The speakers at the ribbon-cutting event underscored the project's importance as a blueprint for the state.
Michael Monte, CEO of the Champlain Housing Trust (shown in feature image above), celebrated the opening of a neighborhood that will provide stable, affordable homes for generations. Shelburne Selectboard Chair Michael X. Ashooh also shared his support for the development's positive impact on the town.
State and federal leaders echoed these sentiments, framing Bay Ridge as a crucial step toward a more sustainable and equitable Vermont.
- U.S. Senator Peter Welch captured the optimistic spirit of the day, stating, "With projects like these, we are creating the future that we want."
- U.S. Representative Becca Balint emphasized the project's broad impact, noting that housing is at the nexus of many challenges facing the state.
- Vermont Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale, who represents the district, remarked on the project's unique ability to merge environmental and economic goals. "The environment and economy are often pitted against each other," she said. "But this place brings them together. Solar in communities builds trust in renewable energy."
From left to right: Welch, Balint, Ram Hinsdale
Collaboration and Innovative Funding
Bringing Bay Ridge from concept to reality required a complex partnership between architects, builders, and nonprofit developers. Nancy Owens, President of Evernorth, spoke about overcoming the challenges of skyrocketing construction costs through a mosaic of funding sources.
Chris Flannery from the Vermont Housing Finance Agency and Gus Seelig, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), detailed the financial architecture. The project leveraged a variety of federal, state, and private funds to succeed. This included significant federal funding, including federal tax credits covering 30-40% of costs, which was amplified by state tax credits and other investments. Seelig described these as "transformational investments" that represent "democracy in its best forms."
Norwich Solar: Your Partner in Clean Energy Solutions
The Bay Ridge project proves that we can build the housing our communities need while advancing our clean energy goals. By integrating solar power directly into new developments, we can lower energy costs for residents, reduce carbon emissions, and build more resilient neighborhoods.
At Norwich Solar, we are driven to support New England's transition to a clean energy future. Our team specializes in the expert engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of solar projects that deliver lasting value to towns, businesses, affordable housing providers, and developers.
Are you a municipality or developer looking to build sustainable, equitable housing? Partner with us to integrate reliable, clean energy solutions into your next project.
Learn more about the Bay Ridge development: