Eastern University and Community Energy Team Up on Solar
(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) ST. DAVIDS, PA - May 3, 2010 - To help mark Earth Day, representatives of Community Energy, which installed and maintains solar panels on the roof of Eastern University's Eagle Learning Center, will be on the Philadelphia Christian University campus to talk with students and faculty about the energy savings of solar power. These solar panels are now producing clean energy and reducing the University's operating costs while lowering carbon emissions. Throughout the next 20 years, the 56-kilowatt solar system will reduce carbon emissions by 839 metric tons, which is equivalent to the carbon that would be removed by planting 755 acres of trees.
The solar system is financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with PA-based renewable energy developer and marketer, Community Energy, Inc. and constructed by PA-based solar installation company Dynamic Solar. Under the PPA, Community Energy will own and operate the system, which enables Eastern University to take advantage of the renewable power source without funding the system's purchase up front. Community Energy will sell Eastern electricity produced by the system at a locked-in rate for 20 years, insulating the University from rising energy costs.
"Community Energy is proud to join Eastern University in developing this project that will bring clean, fuel-free electricity to the campus," said Brent Alderfer, president and chief executive officer of Community Energy. "The solar Power Purchase Agreement is a great way for colleges and universities to reap the cost benefits of solar power without a large initial capital investment."
"The development of the solar market in Pennsylvania has - for the first time - made solar a prudent economic and environmental option," said Michael Perillo, president and chief executive officer of Dynamic Solar.
A new online solar energy monitor shows how the solar panels on the roof of Eagle Learning Center are operating each day. View it at http://siteapp.fatspaniel.net/siteapp/simpleView.jsf?eid=416481.
Community Energy has worked with the Pennsylvania University, Eastern, since 2006 to provide Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from wind farms to offset the electricity used on campus with clean, fuel-free energy. The St. Davids campus is 100% wind energy powered through a student-led initiative that began in 2001.
About Eastern University:
Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences located at 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA. Eastern enrolls approximately 4,000 students and integrates its core values of faith, reason and justice into all of its undergraduate, graduate, professional, urban, Seminary and international programs. Visit http://www.eastern.edu for more information.
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