This 70-megawatt, utility-scale solar project was installed in 2020 and will provide 25% of Penn State’s purchased electricity through at least 2045. The project, a partnership between Penn State and Lightsource BP, will advance energy security and sustainability goals for the University and the commonwealth. Penn State and Lightsource BP are also facilitating the use of the solar project site as a “living lab,” making it possible for students, faculty and community members to conduct research and learn about the solar industry firsthand, furthering Penn State’s land-grant mission to serve the broader community.
“The Penn State/Lightsource BP solar power purchase agreement is unique in the way it maximizes the potential for solar farming to have a positive impact on our climate and communities,” said Paul Shrivastava, chief sustainability officer and director of the Sustainability Institute at Penn State. “Proactive partnerships between local landowners and organizations from the public and private sector make this an ideal model to look to as Pennsylvania’s solar farming industry continues to grow.”