Erie Central Fire Station To Go Solar

Sunshine may be scarce this time of year, but the Erie Central Fire Station is hoping a new 50-panel solar array will be a ray of light for those curious about alternative energy. 

The array, which had been planned before the onset of the pandemic, will be funded by a $24,375 COVID-19 Restart Grant that comes courtesy of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (DEPA). The array will generate approximately 22,130 kilowatt-hours of electricity on an annual basis, cutting the station's energy consumption by 27 percent. It will be also utilized as an environmental education resource benefiting the Erie community.

The solar array is just one of 11 eco-conscious building and transportation projects the DEPA is funding statewide through $1.7 million worth of grants — five going toward businesses, two toward municipalities, two toward school districts, and two toward nonprofit organizations. The grants are intended to cover the rehiring or hiring of workers, reinitiate the supply chain around each project, and otherwise just getting these forward-thinking initiatives back up and running. 

Says Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell: "We're pleased to help this outstanding set of clean energy and energy efficiency projects get going again. In addition to supporting current and new jobs to assist in Pennsylvania's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, they'll help improve air quality in their communities by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce energy waste and demand on the grid."

He continues: "The variety of these funded projects demonstrates the exciting potential of clean energy here and now, and reflects the growing interest that municipalities, businesses, and organizations around the state have in the benefits of clean energy,"

Given his inborn sensitivity to sunlight, Matt Swanseger (mswanseger@eriereader.com) alternatively draws his power from the moon, the Earth's core, and Western Civilization's rich tapestry.