Carlisle Area School District Solar Array Receives First Photovoltaic Project of Distinction Award

Philadelphia, PA, April 4, 2011The Carlisle Area School District Ground Mount Solar Array was honored today as a recipient of the first Photovoltaic Projects of Distinction Awards, presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) at the PV America show. The awards celebrate major achievements in the U.S. solar energy market that have been accomplished by companies, individuals, and projects."Sharp congratulates both the Carlisle Area School District and HenkelsThe Carlisle Area (PA) School District Ground Mount Solar Array represents the largest solar array ever deployed by a Pennsylvania school district.  The project, which utilizes 5192 solar panels from Sharp, will generate about 1,500,000 kWh per year and reduce CASD’s carbon footprint by nearly 2,055,000 pounds. Serving as a centerpiece for community and scholastic education, the design employs multiple tracker and panel technologies with web-based monitoring to provide relative performance and energy savings comparisons.   The new ground-mount solar array includes 1,227 kW of Sharp’s 240W monocrystalline panels and 9.2 kW of Sharp’s 115W framed thin film panels, allowing students to study and compare the performance of both technologies.  The solar integrator is Henkels & McCoy, Inc.

More than 150 submissions from all over the country were judged by an independent, non-partisan panel comprising 16 industry leaders, representing associations, consultants, distributors, government, integrators, manufacturers and utilities. To qualify for the awards, all projects had to be operational and demonstrate a collective benefit to the community and innovative use of policy and financing to enhance the project’s impact

“Solar is not only the fastest growing industry in America, but the most exciting, and the recipients of these awards show why,” says Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “Every year, we see more innovation in how builders and developers are putting solar to work for America. From schools and churches to government buildings, homes and businesses, more and more Americans are finding that solar is the most reliable, safe and cost effective energy choice for their community. Congratulations to all the nominees and awardees.”

 “The Carlisle Area School District is honored to receive this distinguished award.  We are also privileged to be recognized by the solar energy industry and the PV America Conference.  The long-term success of the school district’s solar project is also due to the continued willingness of Henkels & McCoy and Sharp to be educational partners with the teachers and children of our school district.  We hope that this award helps pave the way for other public school districts to venture into renewable energy technologies, said Thomas Longenecker of CASD.”

“Henkels & McCoy is honored to have taken part in this landmark effort and extends our best wishes to the Carlisle Area School District for the brightest of futures.  We sincerely value our relationships with CASD and Sharp and the experience of working toward a common goal that this initiative represents. The benefits of this project will be far reaching and impact both present and future generations as an example of environmental stewardship and a visionary commitment to education and the community,” said James Mulhern, vice president market planning and business development for Henkels & McCoy.

 “Sharp congratulates both the Carlisle Area School District and Henkels & McCoy on being recognized as one of the year’s most exciting solar projects by leaders in the industry ,” said Eric Hafter, senior vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group.  “We’re happy to be a part of this project which will help the Carlisle Area School District educate its students about renewable energy while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint and helping to create jobs in their community.”

About PV America 2011

PV America is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ^® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) ^®, whose combined efforts have created a world-class, regionally focused and vertically integrated event that engages a wide spectrum of industry professionals. Unlike other PV conferences, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA’s and SEPA’s year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA’s advocacy efforts. 

About SEIA^®

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association^® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA^® works to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA^® cooperates with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org.

About SEPA^®

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) ^® is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 750 utility and solar industry members, SEPA^® provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA^® helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org

About Carlisle Area School District

In partnership with students, parents, and the community, the Carlisle Area School District is committed to providing all students with educational and leadership opportunities to develop their intellect and character so that they will accept and meet the challenge of personal responsibility, enabling them to become contributing members of our diverse society.  The district shall make every attempt to support a school climate that is based on high expectations and respect for the individuality of all students and staff.

About Henkels & McCoy

Founded in 1923, Henkels & McCoy designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure for the energy, communications, and water markets.  The company provides engineering, construction, project management, installation, maintenance, and training services to utility, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers.