Solar Panels Installed At EPA Center In Edison

EDISON, NJ — The federal Environmental Protection Agency announced last week they've installed 4,788 photovoltaic panels at their Edison, New Jersey campus on Woodbridge Avenue.

The solar farm sits on 4.71 acres of land on EPA’s Edison campus at 2890 Woodbridge Avenue. The EPA's Edison campus includes many functions, including scientific labs and an emergency response center. The solar array system will generate enough electricity to power 45 percent of the campus’ electrical demand based on annual consumption. The power will go directly to building on campus where EPA scientists and engineers work.

There are 4,788 photovoltaic panels in all and the new system is rated at a peak capacity of 1.5 megawatts; it is expected to produce a total of two million kilowatt hours of electricity in its first year of operation.

“It is fitting that EPA lead by example in using renewable energy sources, and I’d like to see efforts like this expanded throughout NJ and the region,” said Pete Lopez, EPA Region 2 Administrator. “The EPA supports the efforts of state and local governments and other organizations to explore renewable energy projects by providing expert advice, technical support, and tools through our Green Power Program."

This project was contracted through the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, which provides the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and efficient manner possible., including the EPA. The photovoltaic system was designed and constructed by Ameresco, Inc.

• The panels were positioned at a 25-degree tilt facing directly south to maximize the space and productivity.
• The solar panels will operate year-round. Clearance has been taken into consideration for snowfall and shading from adjacent rows and structures.
• The system will operate in accordance with an interconnection agreement between the EPA and the local utility, PSE&G.
• During periods when the solar field is producing more energy than needed, which include the weekends, the excess power will flow to the PSE&G utility grid. PSE&G will then credit the EPA for the excess photovoltaic power generated.
• The system will reduce air pollutant emissions and cut EPA’s energy bills, thereby reducing taxpayer costs, the agency says.