Pennsylvania team to provide solar systems for 32 businesses

January 12, 2010

A group of 32 companies in Southeast Pennsylvania are set to receive new solar power systems to generate their own clean electricity, thanks to the PA Sunshine Grant scheme.

The systems to be installed will total up to more than 5MW of new generating capacity, enough power to supply around 3,500 homes.

Reading Electric, an electrical systems manufacturer based in Reading, PA, is teaming up with California and Boston-based solar designer and installer Borrego Solar Systems on the $30 million rollout.

The two companies see their partnership as ideal to accelerate solar energy adoption through southern Pennsylvania.

They have secured $7.5 million in grants provided by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection – around 25% of the grants awarded to date by the PA Sunshine scheme.

Borrego and Reading Electric also believe they will secure more than $9 million from the Federal Renewable Energy Grant Program, although until this is confirmed, to speed up the developments they have offered to “carry” the grant portions interest-free until the funding is received.

The businesses themselves will be responsible for providing funds for the non-grant portion of the projects, typically about 45-55% of the total costs.

“Progressive” PA

Alex Sarly, Mid-Atlantic regional business development manager at Borrego Solar, said: “Pennsylvania is emerging as a national leader in solar energy thanks to the progressive PA Sunshine Grant and other state-sponsored incentive programs.”

Reading Electric itself will receive a $281,075 grant towards a 145kW rooftop/ground-mount solar system, with expectations of a further $251,307 from the federal government.

It will generate half of the company’s energy requirements, and is projected to cut energy bills by more than $700,000 during the course of its life.

“We are excited to incorporate solar into our services portfolio and lead by example by installing our own solar energy system,” said Jim Kurtz, general manager at Reading Electric.

“Solar represents a tremendously attractive alternative or compliment to traditional electricity, especially as caps on electricity rates expire—some as early as January 2010—and energy prices throughout the state begin to rise,” added Mr Kurt.

Companies within the 32 to receive solar systems include Robesonia company Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry, Inc., Cougle’s Recycling, Inc. of Hamburg, Heyco Metals, Inc., and Misco Products Corporation, both based in Reading.

Heyco Metals, a major copper-base alloy reroller, is an existing customer of Reading Electric, and said the switch to renewable energy was part of the “new, green face of US manufacturing”.

Dave Mandle, Heyco Vice President, said: “Heyco has always been a technical innovator within our industry, so implementing a 400 kW solar energy system—which will cover a significant amount of our power needs—is the next step, underscoring Heyco’s commitment to significant cost reduction while presenting the new, green face of U.S. manufacturing.”