Description (from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania press release, March 30, 2005)

Installation of renewable energy systems provides another dimension to ensure that police and fire stations, hospitals and emergency centers, and government buildings can offer consistent and reliable services during blackouts. These innovative systems also provide abother source of environmentally beneficial electricity. The solar system at the Governor's Residence will generate electricity continuously during normal daytime operations, offsetting electric utility supply to the residence.

MESA Environmental Science Inc. was in charge of installing the solar system. The project was funded by a $20,000 grant from The Reinvestment Fund (TRF), which manages the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) created by the state Public Utility Commission to promote renewable resources, clean technologies and energy conservation. The grant came from the fund's Solar Photovltaic Grant Program. BP Products North America Inc. contributed another $19,250 for the project.

"SDF's goal is to build a renewable energy future for all of us in Pennsylvania," SDF Technology and Policy Manager Roger Clark said. "We are pleased that the Governor has chosen to use sunlight to power his residence. We hope this will encourage more Pennsylvanians to explore this extremely versatile, clean and renewable energy option".

(To read the entire press release, click here)