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The first utility-scale solar power plant in Pennslyvania, which is said to be the largest such plant east of the Mississippi River, was completed and sold by Conergy and its Epuron subsidiary. The 3-MW Exelon-Conergy Solar Energy Center, which includes more than 17,000 PV modules, is located on a 16.5-acre landfill site owned by Waste Management, just outside of Philadelphia.
Conergy's Project Group (formerly SunTechnics) designed, engineered, and installed the system, while Epuron provided financing for the project. Exelon Generation is buying the power and renewable energy credits through a long-term power purchase agreement.
The estimated annual production of the solar power plant is 3.7 million kilowatt-hours, which will reduce yearly carbon dioxide emissions by 4 million pounds, the companies said.
"This agreement is another important step in our effort to bring renewable, low-carbon energy to the marketplace," said Ken Cornew, president of the Exelon Power team. "Along with nuclear power, energy efficiency, and other renewable sources, solar power is an important part of our company’s efforts to address climate change."
"Solar energy offers a safe, reliable financial return for investors as well as a viable hedge against rising electricity costs," noted Kim McLawhorn, CEO of Conergy Americas. "The financing of this project during the current financial crisis demonstrates that solar energy remains an attractive asset class for financial investors."
"This project signifies Conergy's core competency in the realization of solar energy power plants, combining our financing, engineering and installation strength to deliver projects on time and on budget, proven through hundreds of solar installations in the U.S. and thousands worldwide. We look forward to expanded solar policy support under the new administration."
In recent weeks, Conergy has also completed or sold several thin-film PV-based solar parks in Bavaria, which have a combined power capacity of more than 18 MW.
