$10m boost to solar energy projects in Pennsylvania

December 18, 2009

Twelve solar energy projects in Pennsylvania are to share $10 million from the State’s economic stimulus package, the Alternative Energy Investment Fund.

As it seeks to establish itself as one of the top five US states for solar energy manufacturing, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded the funds to support projects that will provide 9.1 megawatts (MW) of total generating capacity.

Among the awards, $3.5 million will go to part-fund a 3.155 MW solar photovoltaic field on an 18-acre brownfield site in Dickinson Township, Cumberland County, which will have a total cost of $19 million.

A further $3 million will go to the Lower Paxton Township in Dauphin County, to help pay for a $16 million, 3MW solar photovoltaic array at the local landfill.

And, Romark Logistics of PA will receive a $2.1 million grant toward its 2MW rooftop solar array, planned for its 525,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility in Hazle Township, Luzerne County.

Manufacturing

As well as supporting new solar installations, a $505,000 grant will allow local manufacturing company Flabeg Solar US Corp to expand its production with new machinery and equipment.

This will include a second silvering line for its facility in Findlay Township, Allegheny County, used to apply a silver finish to parabolic solar-grade mirrors.

The $9.3 million project comes to meet growing demand for solar thermal tower plants, and is expected to create 101 jobs over the next three years.

Commenting on the solar grants, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G Rendell said: “Pennsylvania is committed to creating a vibrant solar industry because it is of strategic importance to our state’s future. By the end of 2010, thanks in large part to the programs and policies we’ve enacted since 2003with the help of the legislature, we expect that Pennsylvania will rank in the top five states for solar.”

Awards

The 12 funding awards were as follows:

Adams Electric Cooperative Inc – $84,240 for a ground-mounted solar generation system at its headquarters in Cumberland Township, Adams County, using 192 solar panels. Total project cost: $321,006.

Allegheny County – $154,068 for a rooftop solar thermal system on the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh. Total project cost: $308,136.

Big Spring School District – $35,000 to buy and install a photovoltaic roof panel system for the proposed new Plainfield Elementary School in West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County. Total project cost: $160,000.

Flabeg Solar U.S. Corp – $505,000 for a second silvering line for its facility in Findlay Township, Allegheny County. Total project cost: $9.3 million.

Harleysville Mutual Insurance Co. – $355,000 for a 510.6-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic system at its Lower Salford Township facility, Montgomery County. Total project cost: $2.8 million.

IBEW Local Union 98 – $13,590 for a solar photovoltaic system on the roof of its business office in Philadelphia. Total project cost: $84,324.

IBEW Local Union 98 Apprentice Training – $4,530 for a rooftop solar photovoltaic system of the roof of its building. Total project cost: $70,018.

Knouse Foods Cooperative Inc – $3.5 million for a 3.155 MW solar photovoltaic field on an old fruit waste site in Dickinson Township, Cumberland County. Total project cost: $19 million.

Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County – $3 million for a 3-megawatt solar photovoltaic system at its landfill. Total project cost: $16 million.

Romark Logistics of PA – $2.1 million for a 2-megawatt rooftop solar array at its 525,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. Total project cost: $9.5 million.

SKF USA Inc. – $346,000 for a 411.3kW solar photovoltaic system on the rooftop of its headquarters in Kulpsville, Montgomery County. Total project cost: $1.4 million.

Tredyffrin Township, Chester County – $31,500 for a solar photovoltaic system on top of turnpike sound barrier walls in the township between Mill Road Bridge and Valley Forge National Park. Total project cost: $245,000.