Hempfield is moving forward with a solar power project at its municipal complex.
Township supervisors on Monday approved an agreement with Envinity, Inc. of State College for the construction of a solar array on the roof of a multipurpose building that has been erected at the site under development at Weatherwood Lane and Mt. Pleasant Road.
The solar project was put on hold during a January board meeting after concerns that federal funding designed to fuel clean energy projects might be in danger because of the actions of the new presidential administration. Days after that meeting, President Donald Trump lifted a freeze on disbursing money under the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes money for renewable energy projects and energy storage facilities.
“Certainly, there are still some unique issues that are out there based on the administration, but funding is continuing to move forward,” township manager Aaron Siko said at a supervisors’ meeting last week.
Supervisors on Monday approved in a 3-2 vote a $151,012 agreement with Envinity for the design of the 114-panel solar array, supply of materials, installation and facilitation of a rebate, Siko said.
A $12,750 agreement with H.F. Lenz for project oversight and construction coordination was approved in a 3-2 vote. Supervisors George Reese and Tom Logan cast the opposing votes in both measures.
Siko said he expects to get $76,460 in rebates from the U.S. Department of Energy and a $73,400 direct pay tax credit from the IRS. After those reimbursements, the township’s final expense would be $13,650.
Construction continues at the 43-acre parcel that will house new township offices, a county emergency command center and a park. The solar array will provide power to the entire park, officials have said.
Hempfield expects to realize its return on the investment in less than three and a half years, according to Siko. The array’s expected lifespan is 30 years.
