Solar Array at Stourbridge Project

Solar Energy Project

In early 2018, the Wayne County Commissioners applied for Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant for a Solar Energy Project on the roof of the Stourbridge Project, which is housed in the former 1928 school building at the Park Street Complex. With the help of Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support (SEEDS) and the Clean Energy Cooperative, a plan was drawn up for a system that would cost the county about 83 cents per watt based on the grant. The funding comes from the federal government through the Commonwealth Finance Agency.

An image of the rooftop solar units on The Cooperage Project in Honesdale.

System Benefits

The benefits of the system are expected to last 25 years or more and save the county $3,000 a year. The project, which is expect to generate more power than the Stourbridge Project can use, is currently on hold awaiting the availability of additional funds for the statewide grant program.

Funding

Jack Barnett of the Clean Energy Cooperative recently revisited the project with the Commissioners in light of the lack of grant funding. He has proposed, instead, for the Cooperative to build and own the system and the county would pay for the electricity at a fixed rate for 25 years. Barnett said the county would have to spend some money on the project, since the per-kilowatt hour-rate is slightly higher that the current contract price. The project will also include an informative kiosk to show the operation of the system in real time to visitors at the Stourbridge Project.

Tentatively Approved

In August, the County Commissioners executed a Solar Power Purchase and Easement Agreement with Clean Energy Coop to apply for grant funds for the solar array on The Stourbridge Project roof.