County selects Greenworks for solar energy project under new climate action plan

Cumberland County is taking a significant step towards sustainability by moving forward with a solar energy project, as discussed in the recent Finance Meeting on February 19, 2025. The county has selected Greenworks and Solar Renewable Energy (SRE) as the preferred partners to develop a solar energy system that could offset up to 28% of the county's energy usage.

The decision follows a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated in September 2024, which attracted ten responses. After thorough evaluations, county staff recommended Greenworks and SRE due to their extensive experience and local ownership, ensuring long-term commitment to the project.

The anticipated timeline for the project includes an 18-month schedule until construction begins, contingent on coordination with PPL, the local utility company. The county expects to see immediate cost savings within the first year, as the proposed rates for solar energy are lower than current electricity costs.

The project will operate under a power purchase agreement, meaning the county will incur no upfront costs. Instead, Greenworks and SRE will construct and maintain the solar system, selling the generated power back to the county at a competitive rate. This approach minimizes financial risk for the county while promoting renewable energy use.

As negotiations progress, the county will finalize the specifics of the agreement, including system size and location. The Finance Meeting underscored the county's commitment to its climate action plan, marking a pivotal moment in its efforts to embrace sustainable energy solutions.