WGL Energy and Susquehanna University Partner to Develop 14-Acre Solar Array in Pennsylvania
3.9 MW Facility Will Supply 30 Percent of University’s Electricity Needs.
Artist’s rendering depicts a 14-acre solar array being developed by WGL Energy and Susquehanna University that will supply 30 percent of the university’s electricity and is expected to be completed by summer of 2018. It is WGL Energy’s first solar project in Pennsylvania, the largest university-sponsored solar array in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest solar projects in the Commonwealth.
WASHINGTON — Susquehanna University has entered into an agreement with WGL Energy Systems (WGL Energy), a WGL company (NYSE: WGL), to develop a 3.9 MW DC (3 AC MW) ground-mounted solar array that will supply 30 percent of the university’s electricity needs.
Construction has already begun on the 12,000-panel, 14-acre project, located at the Center for Environmental Education and Research (CEER) along the western border of campus on Sassafras Street. It is the largest university-sponsored solar array in Pennsylvania. The facility is expected to be completed by summer of 2018.
“WGL Energy is proud of our presence throughout Pennsylvania and to extend our offering of diverse and innovative energy solutions – it’s exciting to partner with the university and develop our first solar project in Pennsylvania,” said Sanjiv Mahan, president, WGL Energy Systems. “We look forward to expanding our business to provide more energy answers in the Commonwealth.”
“Susquehanna University is proud to support the development of one of the largest solar projects in Pennsylvania,” said Jonathan D. Green, president, Susquehanna University. “This is a major step forward in the university’s commitment to implementing earth-friendly initiatives that are at the heart of responsible living in our interdependent world.”
The solar array is estimated to produce more than 5,300 megawatt hours (MWh) per year of electricity, enough to power all of the campus’ residence halls and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking approximately 787 cars off the road each year.
Susquehanna will purchase that electricity from WGL Energy. WGL Energy Systems, which has more than 200 MW of distributed generation projects installed or under contract across 20 states and the District of Columbia, will own and operate the facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
About WGL Energy
WGL Energy delivers a full spectrum of energy offerings, including electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, carbon reduction, distributed generation and energy efficiency solutions provided by WGL Energy Services, Inc. and WGL Energy Systems, Inc. To learn more, visit us at www.wglenergy.com. Follow us at @wglenergy on Twitter and WGL Energy on LinkedIn.
The regional sales office of WGL Energy Services and WGL Energy Systems (WGL Energy) is located in downtown Pittsburgh, 707 Grant Street, Suite 3630. For more information, contact (412) 918-1474.
About WGL
WGL (NYSE: WGL), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a leading source for clean, efficient and diverse energy solutions. With activities and assets across the U.S., WGL consists of Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL Midstream and Hampshire Gas. WGL provides natural gas, electricity, green power and energy services, including generation, storage, transportation, distribution, supply and efficiency. Our calling as a company is to make energy surprisingly easy for our employees, our community and all our customers. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, small business or multinational corporation, state and local or federal agency, WGL is here to provide Energy Answers. Ask Us. For more information, visit us at www.wgl.com.
About Susquehanna University
Founded in 1858, Susquehanna University is a residential, national liberal arts college that prepares students for achievement, leadership and service in a diverse, interconnected world. Academic excellence, study away and service learning, student-faculty collaboration, and rich opportunities for creative and personal growth are hallmarks of a Susquehanna University education. Susquehanna students come from 34 states and 22 countries, and 96 percent of the most recent graduating class was employed or pursuing an advance degree within six months of graduation. The university is located in central Pennsylvania, in the town of Selinsgrove, along the banks of the scenic Susquehanna River and about three hours from major East Coast cultural, financial and recreational centers. For more information, visit www.susqu.edu.
