Penn State University breaks ground on largest solar project in Pennsylvania

Penn State University, in partnership with Lightsource BP, recently broke ground on a 70-megawatt solar project that is expected to provide 25 percent of the university’s electricity over the next 25 years and be the largest solar project in Pennsylvania.

The project will involve the installation of 150,000 solar panels across three locations spanning over 500 acres of leased land in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It is expected to save Penn State over $14 million over the next 25 years.

Lightsource BP will build, own and operate the facility and sell the electricity to Penn State under a long-term power sales contract. Rosendin is the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor on the project, and Stantec will provide electrical, structural, and civil engineering design services.

“Lightsource BP has a track record of building solar farms that enhance local biodiversity and agriculture, and we’re excited to work with Stantec to advance that model with this project in Pennsylvania,” Kevin Smith, Lightsource BP’s CEO of the Americas, said. “Stantec’s engineering expertise, along with their focus on local environments and communities, fits well with our core objectives.”

The project design team, with assistance from Penn State researchers, is incorporating environmentally conscious design elements into the project, including plants that will help increase pollination. The project will also serve as a working laboratory for students and faculty.

“Penn State and Lightsource BP are demonstrating a profound commitment to a renewable future with the addition of this 70-megawatt solar project,” Robert Molner, solar subsector leader for U.S. Power at Stantec, said. “This is a monumental project for the university and the state of Pennsylvania, and we are taking great care to be mindful of local wildlife populations and minimize disruption to the land.”

The project is expected to be completed in July 2020.