UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With global energy prices trending upwards, Penn State’s solar energy purchasing agreement with Lightsource bp, now nearing the completion of its second year, has saved the University more money than expected while also contributing to greenhouse gas reductions and University research efforts.
In October 2020, Penn State began purchasing 100% of the renewable energy generated at three solar farms in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. At the time, it was estimated the solar arrays, which are owned and operated by Lightsource bp, would produce over 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and save the University approximately $600,000 in energy costs in the first two years of operations and more than $14 million over the 25-year contract.
As the two-year mark approaches, Penn State has far exceeded the original estimates, already saving an estimated…
Savings from solar energy exceeds University’s expectations
