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Environmental advisory board member highlights solar financing option and potential savings
Summary
EAB member Matt Sabey urged council to review an energy management services agreement (EMSA) that would allow a 410 kW solar installation with no upfront cost and estimated federal and production credits totaling roughly $360,000 plus a $51,000 first‑year production credit; he said projected savings could reach about $1.8 million over 30 years.
During public comment at the Aug. 10 meeting, Environmental Advisory Board member Matt Sabey urged Plymouth Township Council to evaluate an energy management services agreement (EMSA) — a PPA‑like funding mechanism — for a proposed 410‑kilowatt solar installation that would require no cash outlay from the township and could transfer operations and maintenance responsibility to the solar provider.
Sabey told council updated federal incentives make solar a stronger financial case: an added 10% community energy credit for Southeast Pennsylvania on top of the standard 30% credit, which he estimated would raise the installation credits to approximately $360,000 (up from about $270,000). He also cited a PICO first‑year production credit of $51,000 and said a PPA/EMSA structure could produce electricity cost savings projected at up to about $1.8 million over 30 years. Sabey encouraged staff and council to review the EMSA proposal and noted Solarize Greater Philadelphia is hosting municipal webinars on the topic later in August.
Sabey also highlighted rising electricity costs: he noted the township’s 3‑year contract was 6¢/kWh and cited a current PECO commercial general services rate of 11.6¢/kWh; he presented those figures to show potential volatility and long‑term savings from on‑site solar. He asked staff to circulate the webinar information to council.
