Exelon-Conergy solar energy center – A case study for fiscally-sound clean energy power plants

An Industry Insight feature with Conergy

There are myriad reasons companies like Exelon, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, are partnering with the solar energy experts at Conergy. Among them, experience. One in 10 of the solar energy systems designed, engineered or installed in the world have the power of Conergy behind them.

Another reason is economics. With newly extended tax credits, state-funded cash rebates[1], mounting state mandates for Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and a groundswell of consumer support for sustainable energy `zx3 out-of-pocket expenditures and the deployment of sustainable energy solutions becomes an essential recipe for sustainable profitability.
A compelling case study on this concept is manifested in The Exelon-Conergy Solar Energy Center, the largest photovoltaic generation power plant east of the Mississippi. Featuring a 3 Megawatt power capacity, the Exelon-Conergy Solar Energy Center is the first utility-scale solar energy power plant in Pennsylvania. The project features more than 17,000 crystalline modules on 16.5 acres of land at Waste Management’s G.R.O.W.S landfill, just outside Philadelphia. This beautifully-built array produces electricity that has the potential to serve more than 500 homes each year with clean electricity. The yearly production of 3,700,000 kWh of clean, solar-generated electricity will reduce CO2 emissions by four million pounds, NOx emissions by over 9,000 pounds, and SOx emissions by 28,000 pounds each year. This is as effective as eliminating the pollutants that come from driving more than 100 million miles on Pennsylvania’s roads.

“We are changing the way electricity is produced and consumed in Pennsylvania by developing renewable and alternative energy sources and implementing advanced energy efficiency and conservation technologies,” Pennsylvania Governor, Edward G. Rendell, recently said. Last year, Governor Rendell signed legislation that supports investment of up to $665.9 million to spur alternative and renewable energy development to help consumers and small businesses reduce electricity consumption and save money. That includes $180 million for solar projects.
“Solar energy offers investors, businesses and consumers safe, reliable financial return on their money, as well as a viable hedge against rising energy costs,” added Kim McLawhorn, CEO Conergy Americas. “The Exelon-Conergy Solar Energy Center illustrates Conergy's core competency of delivering projects on time and on budget. We look forward to helping customers reap the expanded rewards of solar energy in the new Administration’s clean energy economy.”

The Exelon-Conergy Solar Energy Center was designed, engineered and installed by Conergy’s Projects Group (formerly SunTechnics). It has a market valuation of $20 million. Exelon Generation, LLC is purchasing the power and renewable energy credits through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Project funding was provided by Conergy Finance, (formerly Epuron), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conergy AG that develops, funds and operates large-scale renewable energy systems.

Conergy’s solar energy solutions will benefit utilities such as Exelon by:

• Adding clean, reliable energy to generation portfolios;
• Providing peak generation when it counts the most;
• Providing credits to meet utilities’ RPS mandates;
• Taking advantage of a free, low risk fuel source that arrives without transportation, storage, handling or processing;
• Easing grid stress, thereby increasing grid reliability;
• Offering limited transmission and distribution costs;
• Enhancing energy security through fuel diversification;
• Providing valuable credits utilities can use against anti-carbon generation regulations;
• Delivering voluntary environmental value to consumers and regulators;
• Stabilizing long-term electricity costs.

“This agreement is another important step in our effort to bring renewable, low-carbon energy to the marketplace,” said Ken Cornew, President, Exelon Power Team.

Initiating partnerships with the proven solar industry experts at Conergy is an investment poised to bring economic, regulatory, social and environmental returns – even in today’s skittish markets. Global strength and local expertise make Conergy the superior partner in the PV distribution and installation business.

To learn how Conergy’s turn-key, customized solar solutions can benefit your utility, business or public agency, phone Gary Sheehan or Sarah Hetznecker at the Conergy Projects Team, 1.888.396.6611.

Note:
[1] Availability of cash rebates varies by state. Please check with your respective jurisdiction for details.

Sarah Hetznecker is National Sales Director for Conergy's Projects Group. With 20 years' experience in renewable energy and the environment, Sarah’s managed over 250 solar projects, including the 3MW Exelon-Conergy SEC, California's 1. MW San Joaquin Water District system and a 2MW solution fueling the Army's Fort Carson power arsenal.