A six-acre field of solar panels is now energized and providing power to Allen Harim’s poultry processing plant in Harbeson, Del., officials announced Monday. The company pledged to use some of the savings realized from the renewable energy project to create an endowed scholarship fund for the children of employees and growers to give them an opportunity to attend college.
The 1.57MW, multi-million dollar solar project features 4,992 solar panels, and is projected to generate 2.3 million kWh of power each year, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,616 metric tons every year. The project was developed by Alternative Energy Development Group from Berwyn, Pa., and is owned and operated by Onyx Renewable Partners. Allen Harim has agreed to purchase 100% of the power produced from the project under a 20-year power purchase agreement, and the system is live and interconnected to the Delmarva Power grid.