WGL, a diversified energy company, has expanded its distributed generation capacity, which consists primarily of PV solar, to 150 MW DC installed or under construction across the United States. The company plans to invest $200 million in fiscal year 2016 in solar and other distributed systems, representing a 50% increase in renewable power generation.
“At WGL, we know that the future of energy requires the integration of renewable resources, such as solar, into our energy ecosystems and infrastructures,” said Sanjiv Mahan, president of WGL Energy. “We will increase our solar investment this year, demonstrating our commitment to providing clean energy answers to communities, businesses and governments across the U.S.”
To date, WGL has invested over $500 million in distributed generation systems in 16 states and the District of Columbia. The company’s $200 million distributed generation investment plan in fiscal year 2016 represents a 26% increase from the previous year.
WGL solar projects in service generated 147,000 MWh of power this year and include a system developed for Indianapolis Power and Light Company. Through this system, WGL provides power to various organizations within the state, the largest of which is the Indiana Airport Authority.
WGL solar systems under construction include a 4.2 MW DC ground-mounted, single-axis tracking system in Palmdale, Ca., which will produce more than 4,900 MWh of energy per year, enough to power about 600 average-sized households and eliminate roughly 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. In addition, also under construction is a 2.2. MW DC ground-mount system that will power a large company’s manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, MD. Supplying clean and renewable energy to the 1.5 million square foot space, the project will yield 2,665 MWh of energy annually, providing an energy solution to a major business in the region.