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Pittsburgh Water is planning its first solar energy project at its water treatment plant. The estimated $1.24 million initiative aims to produce clean power on-site and cushion customers against rising electricity costs.
The project involves installing solar panels across two buildings at the treatment facility. The panels are projected to generate about 607,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is roughly equivalent to the power consumed by 55 homes each year.
The largest solar installation will be placed on the Filtration Building. It is expected to supply about 9% of the electricity used at that building.
Pittsburgh Water Chief Executive Officer Will Pickering highlighted the financial and environmental goals of the project.
“This project allows us to make progress on two priorities at once – reducing our environmental impact and managing the rising cost of electricity,” Pickering said. “Generating some of our own clean energy is a practical investment in a more sustainable and affordable water system for our customers.”
Pittsburgh Water plans to pursue low-interest financing through PENNVEST along with a 30% federal tax credit. Financial projections show the project could pay for itself in about 10 years, yielding an estimated $1.57 million in total savings over its operational lifespan.
If financing is secured, construction on the solar project could begin by summer 2027.
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