Isra-Mart srl:ConEdison breaks ground on 20MW New Jersey solar plant

www.isra-mart.com

Isra-Mart srl news:

Construction is getting underway on one of the largest solar power projects in the Northeast United States.

Developers Con Edison Development and Panda Power Funds broke ground on a 20-megawatt project in Pilesgrove, New Jersey, yesterday.

The facility will comprise 71,400 solar panels, generating enough power to supply more than 5,100 homes with renewable electricity with environmental benefits equivalent to taking more than 3,500 cars off the roads.

Located 30 miles southeast of Philadelphia, in New Jersey’s Salem County, the Pilesgrove project will use stationary solar panels, and is to supply power to the local utility Atlantic City Electric.

Full mobilization is to begin next week, with expectations for the project to create at least 100 construction jobs, for completion next spring.
Incentives

New Jersey’s incentive programs played a “vital role” in the large-scale solar project’s progress, according to its developers.

“The State of New Jersey has set the pace for state governments nationwide through its powerful commitment to renewable energy, and that is why this solar installation is becoming a reality,” said Robert Mennella, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Con Edison Development, part of New York-based energy giant ConEdison.

“Thanks to an intelligent partnership between government and the private sector, New Jersey has become the tip of the sword in the green-energy economy,” said Todd Carter, president and managing partner of Dallas-based Panda Power Funds.

“Garden-state legislators have incentivized us to create jobs with free-market mechanisms – not costly government subsidies, grants or cumbersome loan guarantees.
Alliance

Panda Power Funds and Con Edison Development originally partnered back in April to develop, construct and operate utility-scale solar projects in the Northeast.

The alliance sees Panda Power leading on development, engineering and construction aspects and Con Edison Development leading on financing, operation and maintenance, as well as energy marketing.

Mr Carter said: “We’re very pleased to be here and to work with a company that has the breadth of experience and resources as Con Edison Development.”