Oct 1 2009
enXco, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, (PARIS: EEN) and Carrier Clinic conducted a ground-breaking ceremony today to mark the beginning of construction of the 1.8 megawatt (DC) solar photovoltaic array.
The ground-mount fixed tilt solar array, utilizing First Solar modules deployed from EDF EN’s global supply agreement, will be constructed on nearly 14 acres and will be the largest solar system on a New Jersey healthcare system campus. Using a clean, safe and sustainable energy source, the solar array is expected to supply 50% of Carrier’s electrical services during periods of peak demand and highest price.
C. Richard Sarle, CEO and president of Carrier Clinic, said, “We are proud to be, at this time, the only hospital or behavioral health system in New Jersey with a ground-mount project of this scope. As we approach our 100th year anniversary, we remain committed to partnering with our community in an effort to meet the clean energy goals of the State of New Jersey.”
Carrier Clinic, a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare system, located in Belle Mead, New Jersey signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with enXco earlier this year. Under the agreement, enXco will own and operate the system and supply the project’s output to Carrier Clinic on a net-metering basis. The project is expected to be operational in late 2009.
“enXco is pleased to commence construction on this 1.8 MW project for Carrier Clinic,” said Peter Solomon, director of distributed solar for enXco. “Our integrated approach to project development has allowed us to design a high-value, cost-effective energy solution for Carrier Clinic which will provide stable electricity pricing with no operating costs or capital expense. This project marks our fifth solar energy development in the state and further demonstrates our commitment to help New Jersey businesses lower their energy cost.”
The array will offset the need for additional electricity generated from fossil fuels which emit significant amounts of air pollutants and will further benefit Carrier with no fuel cost or fuel supply risk. The project is consistent with the objectives of the New Jersey Master Energy Plan and will further qualify for New Jersey Renewable Energy Certificates, which are essential to the economics of the project.
As the fastest growing market for solar photovoltaics in the U.S., New Jersey is also one of the largest in terms of installations, second only to California. New Jersey’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that 22.5% of the state’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2021 with 2.12% or 1,500 MW from solar – a goal that represents the nation’s largest solar commitment relative to population and electricity consumption.
Source: http://www.seele-online.com/