Whitehall Borough, Allegheny County To Install Solar Energy Facility In Early 2025

December 9, 2024
PA Environment Digest

By David Hess

Whitehall Borough in Allegheny County will soon move ahead with installing a solar array on top of a local EMS building, to be installed by Elysium Solar.

Over the past few months, Whitehall was working with the PA Solar Center and Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT) to explore the feasibility of going solar, and they will continue working with the PA Solar Center through its GET Solar Program to receive free technical assistance and financial guidance during their solar journey.The 13-kW solar energy system is estimated to produce about 29,400 kWh a year and will save the municipality about $4,200 in energy costs during its first year.

Elysium estimates the system will save the borough $157,750 over 25 years.

“Whitehall Borough is looking to not only reduce our carbon footprint but also hedge against rising electricity costs. Municipalities are not immune to the rising utility rates that Residents see in their own homes,” said Courtney Wertz, Borough Manager. “Whitehall is proud to continue our sustainability efforts by investing in clean and affordable solar energy.”

“Whitehall picked a great time to go solar, as they get to benefit from the financial benefits the Inflation Reduction Act has to offer,” said Amelia Eggan, Senior Program Manager at the PA Solar Center. “As the future of these federal incentives is now unclear, the PA Solar Center encourages all municipalities to initiate making the switch to solar as soon as possible.”

“CONNECT hopes Whitehall will serve as an inspiration to other municipalities considering making the switch,” said Eric Raabe, Director of Infrastructure and Resilience at CONNECT. “We’re proud to help Whitehall use clean energy technology to save money that can be better used elsewhere in the budget or reinvested in their community.”

Solar energy is the fastest growing energy in the country and is saving businesses, nonprofits, communities, and residents thousands of dollars in utility bills.

Businesses that go solar are hedging against volatile electricity pricing because once the upfront equipment costs are paid, the cost of solar is free.