Energy infrastructure solutions provider Ameresco has announced a rooftop solar project for Philadelphia Community College, involving the installation of new solar arrays at two campuses to support the institution's long-term sustainability goals and contribute to Pennsylvania's renewable energy commitments.
The project, supported by Pennsylvania's "Solar for Schools" grant program, will see solar arrays installed simultaneously at the college's main campus on Spring Garden Street and its Northeast campus. Utilizing an energy savings performance contract model, construction is expected to commence in the summer of 2026 and be completed by the end of that year.
Tim Trzaska, Director of Construction Management at Philadelphia Community College, stated that this project represents a significant step in building a more sustainable and resilient campus for students and the broader community. The college is proud to partner with Ameresco to contribute to Pennsylvania's renewable energy development and set an example for other institutions.
The initiative is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits. On-site renewable energy generation at both campuses will reduce long-term reliance on grid power and enhance the energy resilience of the college's facilities. Participation in the "Solar for Schools" program positions Philadelphia Community College as a central force in expanding renewable energy adoption among educational institutions across Pennsylvania. Additionally, it will provide students with curriculum expansion opportunities to learn about the practical impacts of renewable energy.
Ameresco Co-President Louis Maltezos noted that higher education institutions play a crucial role in advancing renewable energy development, and Philadelphia Community College exemplifies this. The project creates lasting value beyond the rooftops, supporting the college's resilience goals while giving students direct exposure to the renewable energy systems shaping their future.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Massachusetts, Ameresco employs over 1,500 people and provides energy infrastructure solutions to federal and local governments, utilities, data centers, and educational and medical institutions.