The project includes installation of large-scale solar arrays that provide 25% of Penn State‘s state-wide electricity requirements over a 25-year term in Penn State. The project is expected to complete before July 2020.
Penn State Office of Physical Plant Energy and Engineering senior director Rob Cooper said: “This project is a win for Penn State, a win for Pennsylvania and a win for the environment.
“Among the many benefits of this significant investment in solar-based electric generation include cost savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions in support of Penn State’s aggressive sustainability goals, economic development with job creation and income for host communities through development of the Pennsylvania solar market.”
The solar project’s specific goals and objectives for development includes, reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that equals 57,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent of taking 15,250 vehicles off the road.
Furthermore, the objectives include reducing the University’s annual electric costs, allocating term budget for the University’s electric generation requirements, and continuing support of the University’s strategic plan.
The project is a large-scale ground mounted solar array with more than 150,000 solar panels in three locations encompassing approximately 500 acres of Franklin County land, just outside of Chambersburg near Penn State’s Mont Alto campus.
Lightsource BP chief commercial officer Katherine Ryzhaya said: “It has been a pleasure and an honor working with Penn State and we look forward to delivering affordable, local solar to our Penn State partners. Our Pennsylvania-located solar projects will drive economic development and job growth, increase biodiversity, support Penn State’s sustainability goals, and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the community.
The new offsite solar purchase with Lightsource BP is expected to enable Penn State to reduce its GHG emissions to 43%.
