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ARM Group toured the Nittany 1 Solar Project in Franklin County this week! Nittany 1 is part of three locations that encompass 500 acres of land and houses 150,000 solar panels. This $75MM project is owned and operated by Lightsource bp. The Pennsylvania State University is purchasing all the electricity (70 MW), under a 25-year agreement with Lightsource bp. This $75 million project saves over $14MM through solar’s lower cost for electricity and gives PSU a long-term budget certainty.
The tour, sponsored by SEIA Vic, Lightsource bp, Pine Gate Renewables, Prospect14, Sol Systems, Cypress Creek Renewables, Pattern Energy Group and Community Energy, Inc., included members of the Pennsylvania Legislature. The attendees left with a first-hand understanding of a solar farm development project and long-term operations and maintenance, which included livestock grazing within and surrounding the facility’s footprint.
In its first year if operation, the Nittany Solar Projects produced 100-million kilowatt hours, supplying 25% of Penn State University's statewide electricity needs as well as reducing their Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 35%! Dozens of similar facilities are currently pending throughout the state of Pennsylvania. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of solar, contact Tim Williams at @TWilliams@ARMGroup.net