CleanChoice Energy, the first U.S. company to own solar generation assets and supply 100% clean energy to consumers, has achieved a significant milestone. The company has successfully linked its first fully owned and operated solar project to the grid — the Blairs Valley solar farm in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Blairs Valley Solar Project to Power 4,500 homes
The Blairs Valley Solar Project boasts a capacity of 26.15 MW. It was designed with advanced development standards and features over 30,000 bifacial solar panels and flex tracking technology, thereby enabling smart rotation to maximize sunlight capture.
The solar farm is connected to the PJM electric grid which provides energy to utilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other surrounding states. The ability to generate renewable energy for approximately 4,500 homes marks the completion of the first in a series of planned projects within the company's pipeline.
Zoë Gamble, President of CleanChoice, said: “This interconnection marks an important milestone in CleanChoice Energy’s long-term solar generation plans. We are not only connecting people to clean energy sources, but now we are also generating and adding renewable energy to the grid. As staunch supporters of the environment, we are committed to responsible development of our solar projects by making mindful design choices that support local wildlife, the land and the community. We are eager to continue this work as we embark upon new solar generation projects and do our part to support a future free from catastrophic climate change.”
Promoting Sustainability with Solar Farm and Scholarship Program
Demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship, CleanChoice collaborated with local seed conservationists to create a solar farm seed mix designed to attract pollinators. The solar project incorporates thoughtful design elements to protect existing habitats, including permeable fencing that allows wildlife to move freely and the preservation of natural wetlands by extending the interconnection path.
Alongside the Blairs Valley interconnection, CleanChoice introduced a scholarship program to support the next generation of renewable energy and environmental science leaders. For the first four years of the solar project's operation, the company will award an annual $2,500 scholarship to a graduating senior from the local school district, helping fund college or vocational education.
Blairs Valley Project Pioneers Retail-Supply Solar Model
The project breaks new ground by utilizing retail supply as the off-taker, enabling it to provide clean energy to thousands of retail customers.
Devin Sanderson, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Churchill Stateside Group said: “Blairs Valley is just the beginning of a transformative approach to recognizing the collective impact of choosing clean energy. We are proud to support CleanChoice in delivering utility-scale solar to retail energy customers.”
Churchill Stateside Group acted as the renewable energy tax equity investor for Blairs Valley, while Range Renewable Advisors served as CleanChoice’s advisor.
The Blairs Valley Solar Project marks the first step in CleanChoice's transition to a solar owner-operator model. The company recently unveiled plans for a 29 MW solar project in Kylertown, Pennsylvania which is set to break ground this winter. With over ten additional projects in the pipeline, CleanChoice is poised to expand its presence across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions in the coming months, thereby strengthening its footprint in the renewable energy sector.