Governor Rendell: New Solar Investments to Save Schools, Businesses $550,000 on Energy Costs, Boost PA's Clean Energy Sector

Nine Projects to Add Nearly 4 Megawatts to State's Rapidly Increasing Solar Generating Capacity

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that the commonwealth's continued investments in clean, solar energy—an industry that is strategically important to the state's future—is paying dividends as he announced support for nine projects that are helping Pennsylvania become a national leader in this sector.

The Governor said state investments of $5.7 million will help businesses and schools across Pennsylvania save more than a half-million dollars each year by installing 3.6 megawatts of new, clean electricity generation capacity.

All told, the Governor added, these projects account for a total investment in Pennsylvania's economy of $19.3 million—more than three times the value of the state's investment.

"Pennsylvania is on track to become one of the top five states in the nation for solar energy by the end of the year because of good projects like these," said Governor Rendell. "When I took office, there was less than one megawatt of solar energy installed statewide. Now, thanks to our aggressive efforts to invest in and expand this industry, we now have more than 11 megawatts operating, with another 80 megawatts in the works.

"That's a substantial increase and these projects are helping to drive down the cost of solar technology and make it more affordable for more people. They're also helping to substantially lower the energy costs for those who take advantage of them.

"Energy prices are starting to rise again; that'll drive up the cost of everything from electricity to heating to fueling our cars. With solar and other renewables, the energy is free—there's no cost to the sun shining or the wind blowing. Thus, using these cleaner forms of energy helps to stabilize and lower our energy costs, which helps Pennsylvania's economy in the long-run."

The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the projects. CFA administers Pennsylvania's economic stimulus programs, including portions of the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund that Governor Rendell signed into law in 2008.

For more information on state alternative energy investment programs available through the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contacts:

Jamie Yates, DCED; 717-783-1132

Michael Smith, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

Editor's Note:  The nine solar projects approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority are listed below: 

Allegheny County

W.J. Beitler Co. will receive a $347,200 solar energy program grant to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system at the company's facility in Pittsburgh. The 217.14 kilowatt system will generate 235,597 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which will save the company nearly $30,000 in energy costs each year. The total project cost is $1.06 million.

The Plumbers Local Union No. 27 was approved for two solar energy program grants of $25,300 to purchase and install a 25.3 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic system and $5,000 for a rooftop solar thermal system on their training facility in North Fayette Township. Both systems will help the union cut its energy use—including reducing electricity consumption by 28,812 kWh annually, more than the typical home uses in a year—and will serve as training modules for apprentices on how to install such systems. The total project cost for the solar PV system is $138,263, while the solar thermal cost is approximately $22,100.

Centre County

SEC Bellefonte SD Solar One LLC will receive a $1.8 million solar energy program grant to help install a solar photovoltaic system on the Bellefonte High School rooftop. The 1.011 megawatt system will produce about 1.2 million kWh of solar electricity annually, which will provide more than 40 percent of the school's electricity demand and cut its utility costs by $153,000 each year. The total project cost is $5.9 million.

Lancaster County

Elizabethtown Solar Electric Partners LLC will receive a $1 million solar energy program grant to install a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system on the Masonic Village campus located in West Donegal Township. The 800.1 kW solar photovoltaic system will be located on a vacant, 15-acre plot on the Masonic Village retirement community campus. Once operational, the array will produce approximately 960,000 kWh of electricity per year, which will allow the community to use its gas-fired micro-turbines less, saving it $120,000 in energy costs per year.  The total project cost is $4.5 million.

Lycoming County

East Lycoming School District will receive a $1 million solar energy program grant to install a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system for their Hughesville Campus in Wolf Township. The 600 kW system will produce 709,000 kWh annually, generating approximately 35 percent of the electricity used by the building on the campus and saving the district more than $88,000 each year. The total project cost is $3.4 million.

Montgomery County

GlaxoSmithKline LLC will receive a $500,000 solar energy program grant to purchase and install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system on the company's new data center in Upper Providence Township. The 406.56 kW system will offset the company's annual electricity consumption by approximately 517,120 kWh, saving it more than $64,000 per year. The total project cost is $1.9 million.

Northampton County

Positive Energy Pennsylvania 3 LLC will receive a $966,000 solar energy program grant to install a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system for the Nazareth Intermediate School in Upper Nazareth Township. The 599.94 kW fixed, ground-mounted system will generate 743,200 kWh of electricity annually and save the school nearly $93,000 each year. The total project cost is $2.4 million.

Wayne County

Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA will receive a $55,874 solar energy program grant to install a solar thermal system at their headquarters in Dyberry Township. The project will partially replace its current propane-fired boiler system for its 1,000-gallon hot water storage tank. The total project cost is nearly $112,000.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor