In a continuing effort to reduce energy costs and make the CCMUA greener, the Authority has entered into a contract for the design, installation, ownership, operation and maintenance of solar panels at the CCMUAs sewage treatment plant in Camden City. The Authority has also signed a 15 year power purchase agreement with the contractor, Heliosage, which means that the CCMUA will not be responsible for capital costs or ongoing maintenance costs. Rather, the Authority will simply begin paying a monthly solar power bill at rates well below prevailing utility rates.
This new 1.8 million watt solar panel array is now in service and providing power to our wastewater treatment plant. The 1.8 million watts of electricity represents approximately 10% of the plants energy needs. The projected savings are approximately $300,000 in energy costs during the first year of the project and about $7 million over the life of the 15 year power purchase agreement.
This solar panel project is the first phase of the CCMUA’s overall green energy initiative. Ultimately, the CCMUA’s goal is to use 100% green energy within the next five years.