Four Twelve Renewables’ inaugural utility scale solar facility is now operational in Greene Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The facility, known as BE Pine, is made up of approximately 98,000 bifacial solar panels projected to generate approximately 66 GWh of electricity.
Four Twelve Renewables is an energy developer seeking to use clean, abundant natural resources to generate funds to support non-profit organizations that provide basic needs to households in the areas it operates.
BE Pine is the first project in Four Twelve Renewables’ portfolio. The project is funded by a compilation of the local foundation community, public private partnerships, and private dollars.
Currently operational, the facility is producing clean, renewable energy, while creating a sustainable funding source for a local non-profit organization. Four Twelve Renewables is partnering with Dollar Energy Fund to use the proceeds generated from this project, along with matching funds from Dollar Energy Fund’s utility partners, to provide utility assistance grants to low- and limited-income Pennsylvania residents. These once per year, per household grants will provide basic natural gas, water, wastewater, and electric utility service to low- and moderate-income Southwestern Pennsylvania households undergoing a hardship.
“The concept of capturing power from the sun and using it to establish a funding mechanism to provide community support and utility assistance, is extremely viable,” said Paul Atencio, board member of Four Twelve Renewables. “This initiative project serves as a great model and can be replicated to benefit communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
The proceeds from the Beaver County facility are expected to support and sustain 250,000 low- and limited-income households with more than $75 million in utility assistance over the next 35 years. This is approximately 30% higher than Dollar Energy Fund’s projections without proceeds from the solar facility.
“As the need for utility assistance continues to grow, we are always looking for innovative ways to meet that challenge,” said Jody Robertson, director of communications for Dollar Energy Fund. “This project will provide tremendous help to our communities all while utilizing a clean natural resource.”
The Beaver County facility was constructed over the past twelve months on non-productive land. The power generated from the facility will be transmitted to the electrical grid through an interconnection agreement with Duquesne Light Company and a Wholesale Market Participation Agreement with PJM Interconnection.
Funding for the BE Pine project was provided by First National Bank of Pennsylvania (FNB). To help bring the project to life, FNB and its equipment finance subsidiary worked with Four Twelve Renewables to develop a creative, solution-driven financing package that went beyond a standard lending agreement.
“At FNB, we invest in projects that create a positive impact in our communities as part of our driving mission to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve,” said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. “This solar field project truly is unique for Pennsylvania. In addition to creating jobs and bringing economic relief to thousands in the region, it serves as a model of thoughtful sustainability, both here and nationally.”
Pennsylvania American Water has entered into a 15-year power purchase agreement to support the development of this Pennsylvania facility.
“Pennsylvania American Water is pleased to support this solar energy project, which will increase the amount of solar energy generated in Pennsylvania,” said company president Justin Ladner.
The initiative and associated projects also provide a stream of environmental and economic benefits, including:
- Producing and delivering clean, renewable energy back to the grid;
- Establishing less reliance on fossil fuels;
- Providing additional assistance for low- and limited-income individuals and families;
- Creating hundreds of career/family sustaining jobs;
- Reutilization of unproductive brownfields sites; and
- Generation of new tax revenue for local governments and communities.
Based on the success of this project, Four Twelve Renewables foresees replication of similar projects in other parts of Pennsylvania.
— Solar Builder magazine
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