Nov 19 2012
Today, the Rock Hall Town Council, Mayor Robert Willis, County Commissioner Ron Fithian, community stakeholders and partner officials, dedicated the county’s newest aggregate, net-metered solar array on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Rock Hall solar array was installed by Standard Solar, Inc., and will be owned and operated by Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc.
“The Town of Rock Hall has embarked on a long-term renewable energy agreement that will produce significant financial savings, positively affecting the town’s fiscal budget, while exemplifying our stewardship towards a better environment,” said Rock Hall Mayor Robert Willis. “We look forward to a rewarding partnership with Washington Gas Energy Systems and Standard Solar for many years to come.”
The Rock Hall solar system is Kent County’s second solar project to make use of Maryland’s new aggregate, net-metering law that allows one solar system to serve facilities at various locations. The electricity produced by the array will be used by the town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant, Water Treatment Plant and Pumping Station, Rock Hall Town Hall, Rock Hall Elementary School and the Kent County Board of Education Building, providing approximately 75 percent of their electricity needs.
“In my dual role as Town Manager and County Commissioner, I have had a chance to work with both Washington Gas Energy Systems and Standard Solar on three large Kent County solar projects, including this one. I can't say enough about how easy and professional both companies are to work with. From the very beginning, they told us what they were going to do and performed the job with a great deal proficiency and expertise. They have been a real pleasure to work with, and I thank them for helping to make all these projects a reality here in Kent County,” said Town Manager and Kent County Commissioner, Ron Fithian.
The 5,300 panel ground-mounted system, which was built at the Rock Hall Waste Water Treatment Plant, will provide an estimated 1,674 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable, emission-free electricity annually to the five county facilities. The system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an amount equal to taking more than 249 passenger vehicles off the road over one year.
“Our participation in this large, public sector, aggregated, net-metered solar project affirms our commitment to bring clean and efficient energy solutions to local communities,” said Sanjiv Mahan, Vice President of Business Development for Washington Gas Energy Systems. “We are pleased to add the Rock Hall solar system to our growing portfolio of solar investments and commend the Town of Rock Hall and Kent County officials for their environmental leadership. Over the last three years, WGL Holdings, Inc. has invested more than $92 million into the development of commercial solar generation nation-wide, and $40 million in Maryland.”
Rock Hall will purchase the electricity generated by the system under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Washington Gas Energy Systems. There were no upfront costs to the Town of Rock Hall to build this solar system.
“In a very short time, Kent County has reinforced its solar leadership by more than doubling its net-metering capacity. We applaud them for enabling more solar power than any other county in the State of Maryland,” said Tony Clifford, CEO, Standard Solar. “The Rock Hall installation, together with the recently completed Worton and Kennedyville projects, will provide more than 4MW of solar power and provide an aggregated net-meter model for Maryland, demonstrating how communities can benefit from and utilize solar power."
Source: http://www.wges.com/