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Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. has completed the first of two 201kW solar canopies which will total 402Kw, on the rooftops of two large six-story parking garages on each side of the new Trenton AMTRAK/NJ Transit center. Each project includes more than 600 solar panels.
The solar systems are operated by Lawrenceville-based real estate developer, Nexus Properties, Inc.
The dual-purpose “solar canopy” designed systems provide, on a combined basis, about 467,500kW hours per year – enough energy to heat and light 50 homes per year. The solar systems will eliminate approximately 141 tons of CO2 emissions annually, according to a news release.
In addition to producing clean energy for each of the parking structures, each solar array is being equipped with 110v charging stations for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs). These charging stations allow PHEVs to move closer to carbon independence by utilizing solar energy to directly recharge car batteries, reducing their reliance on fossil fuel. The power generated by the solar systems at times, will be more than the structures need, and Nexus Properties will be able to sell excess power back to the grid.
Paul Heitmann, a spokesman for the Mid-Atlantic Grid Interactive Cars association, says, “Charging-infrastructure and EVs, when combined with the solar power system that Premier and Nexus have completed here in New Jersey, will allow more renewable energy from intermittent resources to be utilized until the day that battery storage is ubiquitous – in homes, businesses and commercial sites. This charging infrastructure supports other important developing services known as vehicle-to-grid (which is the bi-directional flow of electrical power), where battery storage acts as a ballast to help support grid reliability, and provides an economic benefit to the EV owner.”
Stephen Clevett, executive vice president of Premier Power, said “These projects exemplify Premier Power’s ability to provide our clients with unique, cost competitive renewable energy solutions. Premier was awarded this opportunity by employing a cooperative approach with Nexus Properties, to maximize energy output while minimizing the footprint of the project. We applaud Nexus for their forward-thinking and professional approach to jointly developing and implementing this landmark project.”
For more information, visit www.premierpower.com.
