Exelon - Conergy Solar Energy Center - Fairless Hills, PA

Situated adjacent to Waste Management’s G.R.O.W.S. Landfill in Buck’s County, Pennsylvania, a 3-megawatt (MW) solar energy system is set to make history as the nation’s largest east of Arizona. The Exelon project is an example of how state government, public utilities and private investors are supporting the large scale development of clean energy in the United States, in a manner that has been very successful in Europe. Multi-million-dollar renewable energy projects, like the Exelon plant, reinforce Pennsylvania’s leadership in one of the nations fastest growing industries and highlight the potential for jobs and economic development," says Governor Edward G. Rendell.

The $20 million project features more than 17,000 solar panels on a 16.5-acre tract of land adjacent to Waste Management’s GROWS Landfill. Upon completion, the solar plant will annually produce approximately 3,700 megawatt hours of power, which is enough to meet the energy requirements of nearly 500 homes. This output of clean energy will reduce emission levels of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide that directly contribute to pollution and acid rain will be reduced by the equivalent to taking more than 440 cars off the road each year.

Pennsylvania’s renewable energy legislation, The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, requires that 18 percent of all energy generated in Pennsylvania come from alternative and renewable sources by 2021, including 0.5 percent from solar. Approximately 850 megawatts of additional solar capacity are expected to be installed in the state by 2021. Recognizing the importance of minimizing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production, Exelon made an important financial commitment to the project through a 20-year power purchase agreement for the energy produced. The Conergy Projects Group, a leading provider of turnkey renewable energy solutions provided planning, engineering and installation services for the Exelon-Conergy Solar Center.