Local tour highlights innovative solar project at Susquehanna University

Local officials, community groups, residents, and students join statewide enviro group PennEnvironment and Susquehanna University’s Center for Environmental Education and Research to tour the University’s solar array and learn about solar sheep grazing

Selinsgrove, PA – Local officials and residents joined leaders from Susquehanna University and the nonprofit environmental group PennEnvironment for an informative tour of the university’s innovative solar project and solar grazing sheep. The tour was held to educate local residents, students and faculty about Susquehanna’s array, the benefits of solar energy, and how they can go solar if interested.

Community members join PennEnvironment, Susquehanna University, and Owen’s Farm for a tour of the University’s solar array and solar grazing sheepPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

“There’s never been a better time for schools and universities to use the power of the sun to electrify their operations,” said Flora Cardoni, deputy director for PennEnvironment. “Plentiful sunshine and generous solar incentives are here. Now more schools in Pennsylvania just need to take advantage of them.” 

In the summer of 2018, Susquehanna University completed their 14-acre solar array holding over 12,000 panels. The installation is the largest on-campus solar array in Pennsylvania and produces enough electricity to power 30% of campus operations – equivalent to all the electricity used in their dorms. They took it a step further eliminating the need for fossil fuel powered lawn equipment to maintain the array by employing a flock of sheep from a neighboring farm, Owen’s Farm, to act as natural lawn mowers.

“Susquehanna University’s solar array has helped propel our institution into recognitions like becoming one of The Princeton Review’s green colleges,” said  Greg Severyn, Susquehanna University’s Director of Sustainability. “The solar array also normalizes renewable energy for the SU community and our grazing sheep demonstrate how creative and sustainable thinking merge in a meaningful way.”

Susquehanna University Solar TourPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

Susquehanna University entered into a power purchasing agreement with WGL Energy Systems, now Luminance, who sells them the generated energy at a set price. Other schools that want to follow suit have the added benefit of solar energy tax credits that can dramatically lower the price tag for going solar.

“Sheep are a highly effective choice for managing the vegetation on a solar array,” shared Caroline Owens, the co-owner of Owen’s Farm. “They are just the right size to fit under the panels, graze 24/7, build soil health and support pollinators while dramatically reducing emissions and chemical use on site.”

Sheep from Owen’s Farm graze under Susquehanna University’s solar arrayPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

Solar energy is abundant, efficient and increasingly affordable, and universities are often great candidates for rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels. Harnessing more energy from the sun would mean cleaner air, a more stable climate, less strain on natural resources and an energy source we can depend on to be virtually pollution-free for as long as we can imagine. Plus, going solar increases energy independence and reliability and oftentimes allow schools to save a ton of money on their utility bills.

Right now, Pennsylvania is currently ranked 26th in the nation for solar power. Susquehanna University leaders hope that their array can inspire other schools across Pennsylvania to follow their lead, choose clean energy and help Pennsylvania become a solar leader.

PennEnvironment is holding events like this throughout the state to help spread the word about the benefits of going solar so that more houses of worship, nonprofits, businesses and individuals can invest in a clean energy future too.