The Department of Environmental Protection and BP Solar unveiled a new 2.8-kilowatt solar power system on the south roof of the Governor's Residence that will provide at least 22 hours of backup power to critical infrastructure in the event of a blackout.

Installation of renewable energy systems provides another dimension to ensure that police and fire stations, hospitals and emergency centers, and government buildings can offer consistent and reliable services during blackouts.

These innovative systems also provide another source of environmentally beneficial electricity. The solar system at the Governor's Residence will generate electricity continuously during normal daytime operations, offsetting electric utility supply to the residence.

MESA Environmental Sciences Inc. was in charge of installing the solar system. The project was funded by a $20,000 grant from The Reinvestment Fund (TRF), which manages the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) created by the state Public Utility Commission to promote renewable resources, clean technologies and energy conservation.

The grant came from the fund's Solar Photovoltaic Grant Program. BP Products North America Inc. contributed another $19,250 for the project.

"Governor Rendell and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are demonstrating innovative and smart leadership, utilizing environmental project funding to generate clean and reliable solar electricity for both critical backup homeland security infrastructure and day-to-day power needs," BP Solar Vice President Mary Shields said. "Not only does this make sense for the Governor's residence, for the environment and for security purposes, but just last year the Governor led the charge on passing an Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard to ensure that all Pennsylvanians benefit from a cleaner and more diverse electricity supply."

The solar panel installation was completed as part of the March 14, 2001, multi-site remediation agreement (MSA) between DEP and BP Amoco, now BP Products North America Inc. The MSA established consistent standards for cleanups at various BP sites statewide and accelerated the closeout of BP storage tanks throughout the Commonwealth.

In addition, as part of the MSA, BP can ensure continued environmental improvements by donating funds for joint DEP- and BP-approved projects.

In 2004, funding was set aside for two solar projects on state-owned buildings -- the first at the Governor's Residence and the second at DEP's Southeast Regional Office, which is not yet under way.

Aside from these solar projects, the innovative MSA program has produced many benefits for the Commonwealth. In 2003, DEP used donated BP funds to clean up abandoned tire dumps in Armstrong and Lycoming counties.

Pennsylvania has one of the nation's most progressive two-tiered energy portfolio standards, ensuring that in 15 years, 18 percent of all of the energy generated in the Commonwealth comes from clean, efficient sources.

At least 0.5 percent of Tier I electricity must come from solar photovoltaic cells --- a requirement that is at least three times more ambitious than anything any neighboring states have put in place.

NewsClip: Solar Panels Provide Backup Power to Governor’s Residence

4/1/2005