Community College of Allegheny County became the latest area business to go solar.
The school announced Thursday the addition of a new 543-kilowatt installation that produces enough electricity to power 30% to 40% of the CCAC North Campus’ electrical energy needs. The new solar array was put in by BAI Group, LLC, of State College and facilitated by the Pennsylvania Solar Center.
It’s estimated the move will save CCAC some $750,000 in energy costs over the next 28 years.
“As CCAC’s largest solar energy initiative to date, this project is truly a win-win for the college and the environment,” said CCAC President Dr. Quintin Bullock. “The cost savings generated from this project means more money will be put toward other important college initiatives and programs, ones that benefit our students and the wider community.”
CCAC’s first two arrays of solar panels, installed in 2018, were 15 and 64 kilowatts. The new solar installation is much larger and covers the entire roof of CCAC’s North Campus building.
The college will use the installation as a study subject in CCAC’s science, technology, business, and accounting classes.
“CCAC is lighting a path to the future with solar and is serving as an example for other educational institutions to follow,” said Leo Kowalski of the Pennsylvania Solar Center. “This will be CCAC’s third solar installation, so they’ve already been a leader in Pittsburgh for harnessing the power of solar energy.”
