Solar Project Takes Shape at Atlantic Cape Campus

COURT HOUSE – Atlantic Cape Community College’s Cape May County Campus parking lot shows the beginning of a solar-panel “farm” that will be like a huge carport. When completed in the fall that 2.2 megawatt photovoltaic solar panel array, in union with a similar project at the Mays Landing campus, is expected to produce nearly 50 percent of Atlantic Cape’s electrical needs.
The college expects to save $93,000 in the first year and up to $1.6 million over the 15-year life of the contract with Marina Energy LLC, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries. Marina Energy designed and is constructing the project.
The project began shortly after classes closed for the summer at the Court House site. Recently, concrete bases for the steel supports were in place. All the steel is expected to be in place by month’s end, and the asphalt will be repaired in time for the start of the fall semester Sept. 3, weather permitting, according to Stacey Clapp, senior manager, public relations and publications.
Crews will install the photovoltaic panels in September with a target completion in early October.
Atlantic Cape made arrangements with the adjacent Cape May County 4-H Fairgrounds for overflow parking, if that is needed.
Students who wish to track progress of the college’s three construction projects can visit www.atlantic.edu/about/construction-projects.htm.
The energy generated by the two solar projects would be equivalent to that needed to power about 220 homes.
The photovoltaic system includes installation of carports in four parking lots on the Cape May County and Mays Landing campuses. About 80 percent of the carport arrays will be at the Mays Landing campus.
“The solar energy initiative at Atlantic Cape is an excellent example of using innovative strategies to promote energy sustainability as a key step in fulfilling our institutional commitment to environmental stewardship in two counties,” stated Dr. Peter L. Mora, college president.
Marina Energy is using local labor and material suppliers, including Palmieri Electric of Buena and Southern New Jersey Steel Company of Vineland to create jobs in and around the area, according to a college release.
“We are very pleased to be working with Marina Energy and Atlantic Cape in this venture. In these tough economic times it is nice to be a part of a project of this scale,” stated Raymond Palmieri, president of Palmieri Electric.
“Southern New Jersey Steel is extremely excited to be part of the Marina Energy team contributing to the implementation of this environmentally noteworthy project on the campuses of Atlantic Cape Community College,” stated Hugh McCaffrey, president of Southern New Jersey Steel Company. He added that the steel supports for the solar panels are made from recycled metals, thus enhancing the positive impact on the environment.
The solar project ties into the college’s “Green Campus Initiative.” That includes an energy master plan to address and implement concepts supporting the New Jersey Energy Master Plan in reducing greenhouse emissions statewide, and moves the college toward environmental stewardship based on the efficient, responsible and sustainable use of resources.
The college added a geothermal system in 2000 to heat and cool the B-building complex, and will follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria, as set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council.