LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ, Sept. 20, 2005 (PRNewswire) -- On Oct. 11 at 2 pm, New Jersey American Water will proudly debut the state's largest ground-mounted solar electric system at its Canal Road Water Treatment Plant in Somerset, N.J. Come join our experts, the solar experts of Dome-Tech Solar and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Jeanne M. Fox to learn more about this exciting step towards energy savings. The press will also be welcomed to get an aerial view of the project from a hot air balloon that will be onsite.
The 500-kilowatt ground-mounted system was designed and built by Dome-Tech Solar, a premier solar energy firm serving industrial and institutional clients in the northeast. The system includes more than 2,800 solar panels from RWE Schott Solar. New Jersey American Water expects it will be able to supplement 15% of the peak usage power needed to run the plant with solar energy and save approximately $125,000 a year in reduced energy costs. During peak production periods, the electricity produced by the solar system would be enough to meet the average electricity demand of more than 500 N.J. homes.
"As part of our overall campaign to reduce energy expenses, now and over time, we are working to keep our costs down, which may enable us to pass those savings on to our customers. In fact, with the rebate from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, the solar system alone will pay for itself in about 7 years, possibly creating larger savings as the system continues to produce energy for many more years," said Walter Lynch, president of New Jersey American Water.
The state of New Jersey encourages the use of green energy through its Clean Energy rebate program.
"The upcoming dedication of the state's largest ground-mounted solar electric system by New Jersey American Water sets an excellent example of clean energy solutions that make sense for New Jersey businesses and residents," said NJBPU President Fox. "The solar rebate that the NJBPU is providing the company - almost 60% of the project's cost - will help advance solar technologies that lower energy costs, reduce peak load and serve as an investment in the health and environment of Garden State residents for years to come."
"New Jersey American Water's corporate vision is driving today's achievement -- installing and activating the largest ground-mounted solar energy system in New Jersey," said Tom Kuster, president of Dome-Tech Solar. "We applaud New Jersey American Water for its long-term view and willingness to take action now to harness clean, renewable energy, reaping benefits today and well into the future for the company and its customers."
This pilot program could lead to the use of solar energy at other American Water plants.
New Jersey American Water is the state's largest water utility serving over two million people in 176 communities throughout the state. It's parent company, American Water, a part of RWE's water division, serves 20 million customers in 27 states, four Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico and South America. More than 8,000 employees provide water, wastewater and other related services. RWE's water division is the third largest water and wastewater services company in the world.
Dome-Tech Solar (www.dometechsolar.com) is a professional renewable energy company specializing in analysis, design, engineering, development, financing and implementation of solar photovoltaic systems. Dome-Tech Solar offers strength in technical designs as well as expertise in regulatory rebate, project financing and Renewable Energy Credit programs. Driven by competitive financial returns and superior environmental stewardship, Dome-Tech Solar develops and builds renewable energy generation systems for commercial, institutional and industrial clients.
RWE Schott Solar Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of solar power components and systems, serving customers throughout the Americas from sales offices in California, Massachusetts and the State of Washington. The company's U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Billerica, Massachusetts produces the largest solar power module available worldwide, the ASE 300. A pioneer in the design and development of complete solar power solutions, the company serves a highly diverse market including grid-connected residential and commercial systems, and grid-independent industrial, governmental and utility applications. It's a subsidiary of RWE Schott Solar GmbH located in Alzenau, Germany, which is a joint venture of RWE Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of the RWE Group, a global international multi- utility concern with core businesses in electricity, gas, water, waste management and recycling; and the Schott Group, a leading international specialty glass manufacturer. The RWE and Schott companies had combined sales of over $55 billion in 2002, and employ nearly 150,000 people worldwide.
***
In other company news: New Jersey American Water Issues Boil Water Advisory in Several Communities in Monmouth County.
###