Flipping the Solar Switch

Ferguson Township recently installed 240 solar panels atop its Public Works Building 6. David Modricker, Director of Public Works, stands with little fanfare the contractor, Evinity flipped the switch on January 28 to allow the newly installed rooftop solar arrays to power the newly constructed Public Works Building. This solar system, the first for Ferguson Township, is comprised of 240 roof mounted 450 watt solar panels with inverter expected to generate 108 kilowatts of power. The energy consumption modeling for the building and size of the array are intended to produce a net zero energy building.

David Modricker, Public Works Director, reading from the Basis of Design for the building which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in June of 2017 stated:

 “…Ferguson Township adopted a Community and Environmental Bill of Rights in 2012. Among other things, it guarantees the right to “a sustainable energy future. Our most recent Strategic Plan commits us to excellent services, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy. This building enables us to achieve those goals with high‐performance work environments, sound long‐term energy conservation and onsite renewable energy, and exceptional attention to environmental impacts. The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors adopted a Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions Resolution on June 19, 2017. The Resolution calls for us to make a plan for achieving net zero emissions no later than 2050, lead by example in a manner that is “transparent, fair, and economically responsible,” and to engage our governmental and non‐ governmental peers in the same. Finally, we are a Sustainable Pennsylvania Gold Certified community. This LEED Gold (certification pending) Public Works building helps us pursue goals aligned with our guiding documents and build on our reputation.”

It with a flip of a switch on January 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. that Ferguson Township made monumental strides toward achieving its environmental goals.