EDISON, NJ –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first energy savings performance contract, solar array system, at the Edison campus, Edison, New Jersey, Oct. 25.
DLA Energy awarded the contract in January to bring the solar panel generation field to the Edison campus. DLA Energy provides the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
The contractor installed 4,788 photovoltaic panels on their campus field. The solar array system will generate enough electricity to power 45 percent of the campus’ electrical demand based on annual consumption.
The EPA estimates the solar array will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,345 tons each year and save taxpayers about $100,000 a year, due to the reduced reliance on energy from fossil fuels.
“It is fitting that the EPA lead by example in using renewable energy sources, and I’d like to see efforts like this expanded throughout New Jersey and the region,” said Pete Lopez, EPA Region 2 administrator.
According to EPA’s news release, the new system is rated at a peak capacity of 1.5 megawatts and is expected to produce a total of two million kilowatt hours of electricity in its first year of operation.
Key highlights:
- The panels were positioned at a 25-degree tilt facing directly south to maximize the space and productivity.
- The solar panels will operate year-round. Clearance has been taken into consideration for snowfall and shading from adjacent rows and structures.
- The system will operate in accordance with an interconnection agreement between the EPA and the local utility.
- During periods when the solar field is producing more energy than needed, which include the weekends, the excess power will flow to the utility grid and will then credit EPA for the excess photovoltaic power generated.
According to the news release, the system will reduce air pollutant emissions and cut EPA’s energy bills while reducing taxpayer costs.
DLA is the DOD’s largest logistics combat support agency, providing worldwide logistics support to the military services as well as several civilian agencies, including the EPA.