CleanChoice Energy Connects First Solar Project to the Grid: A New Era
Marking a significant evolution in its business model, CleanChoice Energy has successfully interconnected its first fully-owned solar generation facility, the Blairs Valley Solar Project, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. This milestone establishes the company as a unique player in the renewable energy market, now generating its own power while continuing to supply 100% clean energy directly to its retail customer base. The 26.15 MW project is now feeding electricity into the PJM grid, with the capacity to power approximately 4,500 homes.
“This interconnection marks an important milestone in CleanChoice Energy’s long-term solar generation plans,” stated Zoë Gamble, President of CleanChoice. “We are not only connecting people to clean energy sources, but now we are also generating and adding renewable energy to the grid.”
Project Spotlight: Blairs Valley Solar
The Blairs Valley facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology, featuring over 30,000 high-efficiency bifacial solar panels. These panels are mounted on a flex tracking system that rotates to optimize sunlight capture throughout the day, maximizing energy output for the PJM grid which serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other surrounding states.
The project’s design reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community partnership. In collaboration with local seed conservationists, a specialized seed mix was developed to create a pollinator-friendly habitat across the solar farm. The site also features wildlife-permeable fencing to allow for safe animal passage and was carefully routed to preserve natural wetlands. Furthering its community investment, CleanChoice Energy has established a scholarship program, awarding $2,500 annually for the first four years to a graduating senior from the local school district who is pursuing higher education in renewable energy or environmental science.
An Expanding National Footprint
The Blairs Valley project is the inaugural step in an ambitious expansion strategy. The company is set to break ground this winter on a 29 MW solar project in Kylertown, Pennsylvania. The development pipeline also includes the 27.1 MW Dolan project in Washington County, NY, and the 27.1 MW Hawthorn project in Rensselaer County, NY.
Looking further ahead, CleanChoice Energy is poised to triple its generation capacity through the acquisition of two major solar projects in North Carolina: the 103.92 MWdc Sumac project and the 118.3 MWdc Sweetleaf project. With construction slated to begin in early 2027, these additions will bring the company’s total capacity to over 330 MWdc—enough to power an estimated 130,000 homes and solidify its position as a fast-growing independent power producer.
Sources
- CleanChoice Energy to Acquire 222 MW of Solar Projects
- CleanChoice Energy to Triple its Generation Capacity with …
- CleanChoice Energy Takes Major Step In Solar Expansion …
- CleanChoice Energy Triples Capacity with Solar …
- CleanChoice plans to acquire two solar projects from Geenex