Harnessing the Power of the Sun: Envinity Lights Up Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRRA) is moving forward with a solar array project to provide 100% of the power at its facilities on Transfer Road in College Township.

Out of 8 bids, Envinity was selected on January 8th, 2024 to design and install a rooftop solar system on the roofs of the authority’s buildings. Instead of pursuing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) route, the array will be owned by CCRRA, so it will no longer need to pay a utility company for electricity and be able to reap all the benefits of solar ownership. 

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRRA) is set to revolutionize its energy consumption with a solar array project. Awarding the $1.2 million project to State College-based solar energy company Envinity, the authority is poised to generate 100% of its power at its facilities on Transfer Road in College Township. This strategic decision not only aligns with environmental responsibility but also promises substantial long-term cost savings.

Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority has gone solar with Envinity

Key Project Details:

1. Bid Award to Envinity: The authority’s board awarded the bid for the solar array project to Envinity, beating out seven other bids from across the state.
2. Financial Implications: With an initial investment of $1.2 million, the solar array is expected to have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. The authority anticipates recovering the investment in just 7.2 years. Currently paying $40,000 annually for electricity, the move to solar power could save CCRRA over $2 million in electricity bills over the life of the array.
3. Ownership and Lifespan: The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the authority’s buildings, and the array will be owned by CCRRA. The anticipated lifespan of the array is 25 to 30 years.
4. Electricity Cost Savings: CCRRA currently benefits from a low electric rate of 4 cents per kilowatt hour, but with the contract expiring in 2024 and projected rate increases in 2025, the authority aims to secure significant cost savings through solar power, over $2 Million.
5. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC): The project is expected to generate 940,000 kilowatt hours per year, earning Solar Renewable Energy Certificates that can be sold to utility companies, providing additional revenue to CCRRA.

Financial Support and Timeline:

1. Federal Incentives: The installation costs for the solar array will be offset by a $400,000 credit from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, providing a 30% credit for qualifying investments in renewable energy systems.
2. Additional Support: One-time energy efficiency rebates, potential grants, and support from the Pennsylvania Solar Center’s GET Solar program contribute to the project’s financial viability.
3. Centre County Commissioners’ Support: The Centre County commissioners unanimously endorsed a letter of support for a grant application to the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund.
4. Timeline: CCRRA is optimistic that the solar array will be operational by the end of the year, aligning with the expiration of their current electric rate contract at the end of 2024.

Future Expansion and Collaboration:

1. Extended Project Scope: CCRRA is considering expanding the project to include the renewable natural gas station on Transfer Road, potentially meeting future capacity needs.
2. Collaboration with Clean Energy Fuels Corp: Conversations with Clean Energy Fuels Corp, which operates the renewable natural gas station, are underway. The authority hopes for reduced electricity costs, contributions to installation costs, and a discounted fuel rate in exchange for the additional solar panels.

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority’s move towards solar power, in collaboration with Envinity, not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also presents a forward-thinking approach to financial responsibility. As CCRRA leads the way in harnessing the power of the sun, the community stands to benefit from reduced energy costs and a cleaner, greener future.

Contact us today for more info: https://www.envinity.com/contact-us/