Canadian Solar, one of the world's largest solar companies, today announced its modules have been installed in a 5MW (AC) solar plant located in a dense agricultural area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The environment-friendly solar project, dubbed Keystone, was developed by Community Energy Solar and constructed by groSolar.
Canadian Solar utility-scale MaxPower modules are part of the unique installation by Community Energy, which was adapted with an organic perspective to preserve and improve the farmland the installation resides on. The solar panels are installed on driven posts without concrete to avoid soil disturbance and specific ground cover was selected to maintain and improve the organic soil content.
Exelon Generation and Community Energy's retail marketing division committed to buy the output and backed the financing for the project, which will supply green electricity to customers who sign up for a share of the generation. Several high-profile customers have already endorsed the program including the Philadelphia Phillies, the Clean Air Council, Franklin & Marshal College , Drexel University, Eastern University, Marywood University, Millersville University, and Juniata College .
"The Keystone solar energy project is another example of a long list of utility-scale solar projects that continue to drive job employment across the United States," said Alan King , general manager of Canadian Solar USA. "This project sets an example of how a solar installation can support a community by providing benefits on multiple levels, in addition to generating long-term clean energy."
The 20,000 Canadian Solar 290 watt modules are installed on fixed tilt, ground-mounted aluminum racking and are interconnected to the PPL Electric grid. The solar energy system will supply approximately 7.5 million kilowatt hours per year of electricity, or enough energy to power 653 homes. The installation offsets 5,625 tons of emissions annually, the equivalent sequestration of 28,125 trees per year.
"This is the greenest of the green—local jobs building fuel-free power that will last for decades," said Brent Beerley , Executive Vice President of Community Energy. "Forward-thinking retail electric customers, backed by Exelon Generation on wholesale, and leadership from East Drumore township, the State of Pennsylvania, and the PA Sustainable Energy Fund were all part of making this happen, and we're under construction with an experienced team led by contractor groSolar using Canadian Solar modules. We couldn't be happier with the team," he said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Keystone project will be held today at 10 a.m. EST, dedicating the new installation and providing an educational session on how solar is the future of new energy.