Constellation’s 16.1 MW Generation Clean Horizons Solar Project Honored with “2013 PV Project of Distinction Award”

Last week at the PV America East 2013 event, Constellation’s 16.1 megawatt (MW) grid-connected solar power system was one of three solar projects to receive the “2013 Photovoltaic (PV) Project of Distinction Award.” The award, presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), recognizes major achievements in U.S. PV solar energy. More than 100 submissions were evaluated by an independent panel of judges representing associations, consultants, distributors, government, integrators, manufacturers and utilities.

Constellation is honored to receive an award that recognizes this project’s collective benefit to the community and innovative use of policy and financing to enhance the project’s impact.

The 16.1 MW solar power system is located on 100 acres leased from Mount St. Mary’s University and is one of the largest operational solar facilities in Maryland. The $50 million solar facility was completed with no upfront costs to the state of Maryland, and it demonstrates the potential of public-private partnership to advance renewable energy. This project serves as a prime example of how to successfully finance, develop, construct and operate large-scale solar projects. Constellation, an Exelon company, was the financer, developer, owner and operator; First Solar Electric was the EPC contractor and panel manufacturer; and Mount St. Mary’s University owns the land being leased to Constellation.

The result of this massive system is an estimated output of 20 million kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. According to the EPA, this amount of clean electricity could prevent the release of 17,981 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. In addition to furthering Maryland’s Generating Clean Horizons initiative, the solar project’s construction created approximately 165 green jobs.

Constellation currently owns and operates more than 126 megawatts of solar installations that have been completed or are under construction for commercial and government customers throughout the United States. Constellation commercial customers, universities, school systems, hospitals and government agencies interested in on-site solar installations of 1 megawatt or larger may contact Constellation at sustainable-solutions@constellation.com or 1-877-427-2005.