Utilities authority turns to solar energy with help of Vanguard Energy Partners and Sharp

Oct. 20, 2009
WALDWICK, NJ, Oct. 20, 2009 -- Vanguard Energy Partners and Sharp Solar Energy Solutions announced the deployment of a 334-kilowatt solar power system at the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority wastewater treatment plant in Waldwick, NJ...

• Expands its renewable energy portfolio with unique solar electricity installation at wastewater treatment plant resulting in nearly $50,000 annual savings

WALDWICK, NJ, Oct. 20, 2009 -- Vanguard Energy Partners, a leader in the design and installation of large-scale solar electric systems, and Sharp Solar Energy Solutions, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today announce the deployment of a 334-kilowatt solar power system at the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA) wastewater treatment plant in Waldwick, New Jersey. Completed earlier this month, this creatively-constructed solar array will offset a portion of the utility's electricity bills while helping to further its overall sustainability efforts.

"With the dedication of this solar installation today, we're taking action as a county to combat rising electricity costs by taking advantage of clean, renewable solar energy," said Howard Hurwitz, executive director, NBCUA. "This system will provide lasting economic and environmental savings, while fostering the growth of green energy and clean tech jobs in our community."

Challenged with limited land and roof space, Vanguard designed and installed an innovative solar canopy structure over the plant's aeration tanks, using 1,547 Sharp ND-U216C1 216-watt solar modules. The adoption of renewable solar energy will provide nearly 40 percent of the wastewater treatment plant's electricity needs when operating at full output.1 The system will produce an estimated 364,742 kilowatt hours per year, which translates into an annual energy savings of nearly $50,000 for the utility. In addition to the economic benefits enjoyed by the NBCUA, the completed system lessens the plant's environmental impact by reducing CO2 emissions by 577,489 pounds per year. That is equivalent to 29,733 gallons of gasoline, 609 barrels of oil conserved, or removing 48 cars off the road each year.

"We are thrilled to have been tasked with this challenging solar project, and applaud the NBCUA for taking steps to achieve New Jersey's long-term energy goals," said Paul Zensky, president, Vanguard Energy Partners.

"This installation is a direct result of New Jersey's ambitious goals to reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources like coal and oil, building the bridge to a cleaner, healthier environment," said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. "We are pleased to be able to help the NBCUA reach its goals of sustainability by harnessing the power of solar energy."

This project was funded by a rebate from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, a statewide program that offers financial incentives, programs and services for New Jersey residents, business owners and local governments who install renewable energy. Vanguard Energy Partners teamed with Ferreira Construction to perform the site work, civil engineering and steel erection of the system. Additionally, Noveda Technologies' SunFlow Monitor™, a real-time, online energy monitoring system, will track the facility's power consumption, solar production and system efficiency.

About Sharp
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS® Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit™ digital audio products, SharpVision® projection products, Insight® Microwave Drawer™ appliances, Plasmacluster® air purifiers, and Notevision® multimedia projectors. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com.

About Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC:
Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC (www.vanguardenergypartners.com) is a renewable energy company that provides innovative power solutions and energy efficiency measures for commercial and industrial applications within the private and public sectors. With operating offices in New Jersey, New York and Florida, Vanguard excels at the planning, design and construction of turnkey solar electric systems and has extensive experience in construction, commercial roofing and electrical systems management. With over 100 solar electric installations, Vanguard has completed over 8MW of DC rated capacity.

(1) The solar electricity system will provide nearly 40 percent of the plant's electricity needs when operating at full output. Annually, it will provide a projected five percent of the plant's electricity usage.

###

Sponsored Recommendations

ArmorBlock 5000: Boost Automation Efficiency

April 25, 2024
Discover the transformative benefits of leveraging a scalable On-Machine I/O to improve flexibility, enhance reliability and streamline operations.

Rising Cyber Threats and the Impact on Risk and Resiliency Operations

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

State of Smart Manufacturing Report Series

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

SmartSights WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track