A proposed solar power project at what is to be Hempfield’s new emergency management headquarters and municipal park was put on hold last week over concerns that federal funding designed to fuel clean energy projects might be in danger because of the actions of the new administration.
But that hold now seems to be temporary now that township officials have a clearer picture of President Donald Trump’s administration’s policies.
The Hempfield supervisors on Monday, Jan. 27, chose not to award a contract of more than $156,000 to Envinity Inc. of State College to install a solar array on a rooftop at what is to be the restroom for the park. At the time of the meeting, there was a federal freeze on disbursements of money under the Infrastructure Reduction Act, said Aaron Siko, township manager.
The board voted 4-1 against awarding the contract for the project at the Hempfield Municipal Complex, which is undergoing site preparation work on a 43-acre parcel off Weatherwood Lane and Mt. Pleasant Road.
Supervisor Doug Weimer, board chairman who voted to award the contract, expects the supervisors will approve the contract at their February meeting now that there is more certainty about the federal funding.
Weimer is confident that the project would be approved because President Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 29, lifted the freeze on disbursing money under the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes money for renewable energy projects and energy storage facilities.
The total cost for Hempfield’s 73.2-kilowatt, roof-mounted system would be about $180,000, Siko said.
The township will use $40,000 in direct funding from the federal government, along with a $70,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, as a qualified solar power project. The township also would get a $2,000 utility rebate, Weimer said.
“The (solar) array would provide power to the entire new community park at the Hempfield Municipal Complex. Future phases would not be tied into the initial system, but could include future solar build-out,” Siko said.
Supervisor Bill Bretz said he voted against awarding the contract last week because of the uncertainty about the federal funding.
Bretz said they will review the availability of that funding and likely will consider approving it this month.
With the money that the township anticipates getting for the project, Hempfield expects to realize its return on the investment in about 3½ years. If some funding sources are not available, that might stretch out to six or seven years. Bretz said.
“We want to enter into it with our eyes wide open. We feel it is a good project,” Bretz said.
Siko said the rooftop solar array is expected to have a positive financial return for the life of the system, which is estimated at at least 30 years.
Cam Willison, manager of the commercial solar development for Envinity, could not be reached for comment.
