3 December 2008:
One of Maryland’s Largest Solar Power Projects To Be Built in Prince George’s County
Washington Gas Energy Services, Standard Solar and John E. Kelly & Sons Partner to Construct System To Power Kelly & Sons Headquarters
WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 03 - Three Washington, D.C. area companies announced plans today to construct one of Maryland’s largest solar power systems at the headquarters of John E. Kelly & Sons Electrical Construction in Prince George’s County. Nearly 9,000 square feet of solar panels will cover the building’s roof, generating enough electricity to meet more than half the needs of the 20,000 square foot office/warehouse facility. The 150-kilowatt system is being constructed at no up-front cost to Kelly, and will be owned by Washington Gas Energy Services. Kelly will purchase electricity produced by the system at guaranteed prices for 20 years under a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”). Standard Solar is developing the project, and will design, construct, operate and maintain the system.
“We expect solar energy to play an important role in our region’s and in our nation’s energy future, and we are proud to play a part in that development”, said Steve Kelly, president of Kelly Electrical. In addition to purchasing power from the system, Kelly will perform the electrical installation work. “We want to help Maryland meet our goals for solar energy development, and we look forward to helping our clients do the same with the experience we gain constructing this project”, added Steve Skolnik, Kelly’s vice president/operations.
Harry A. Warren, Jr., president of Washington Gas Energy Services said, “WGES has been a leader in bringing renewable energy options to our customers throughout the mid-Atlantic region, and this distributed generation project adds a new dimension to our service offerings. Our investment in this local solar power project also illustrates the vital role competitive retail suppliers play in meeting Maryland’s energy policy goals, as well as regional and national goals.”
“The Kelly solar project is an example that other commercial businesses can easily follow,” said Anthony Clifford, president of Standard Solar. “PPAs help businesses, as well as governments and other organizations, to control their electricity costs without investing their own capital. Moreover, widespread deployment of solar electric systems will create “green collar” jobs, reduce stress on the regional power grid and help Maryland meet its clean air and other environmental goals.”
Headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, John E. Kelly & Sons Electrical Construction, Inc. is a family owned electrical contracting firm serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area, providing quality electrical service for over 25 years. For more information on the firm, refer to the company’s website at www.kellycos.com.
Standard Solar is a full-service, turnkey solar system developer and integrator specializing in residential and commercial solar power installations. It is one of a growing number of Maryland-based companies positioned to meet the growing demand for clean technologies and renewable sources of energy. For more information, please visit: www.StandardSolar.com.
Additional Press Contacts:
Jim Pierobon
Standard Solar, Inc.
301-944-5133 (direct)
301-520-1758 (C)
jim.pierobon@standardsolar.com
Steve Skolnik
John E. Kelly & Sons, Electrical Construction, Inc.
301-736-2250 (O)
sskolnik@kellycos.com