MUA Cuts Ribbon on Solar Energy Field

VILLAS — With a snip of scissors, Mike DeMarcantonio, former Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) executive director, dedicated the authority’s 1.3 megawatt solar panel system.
DeMarcantonio was invited to cut the ribbon by current Executive Director Matthew Ecker do his initiating the solar project at a Wed., Nov. 2 ceremony.
“Here’s to many years of saving the earth as well as funds for MUA,” said DeMarcantonio as he wielded the scissors.
Ecker said he and DeMarcantonio first tried to introduce solar power to the MUA in spring 2009 when they applied for a clean energy grant. MUA started with a small 50 kilowatt solar system, “to get our feet wet,” he said.
“We knew we had the ability to do more based on our demand here,” said Ecker.
The MUA put together a request for proposals and South Jersey Industries and Cambria Solar responded in June 2010, he said.
The solar energy system is expected to save the MUA $15,000 to $18,000 per month on its electric bills. The panels saved the authority $380 on the day of the dedication.
MUA Board Chairman Nels Johnson credited DeMarcantonio with great vision to see the project completed. He said the solar system was giving the MUA an “amazingly good deal on energy.
Johnson said MUA hoped to bring solar power to Lower Township municipal buildings or Lower Township School District.
“You hear about people going green and we are green,” said DeMarcantonio.
He said the solar power will benefit MUA’s ratepayers.
Mayor Michael Beck said improvement of the MUA over the past three to four years has been substantial.
“Personally, I believe we have the best MUA authority in the state,” he said. “Thanks for what you’re doing, keep up the good work.”
Ecker thanked MUA staff for site work including grading the soil where panels were to be installed.