Innovation

Centers

Pennsylvania’s CLEAN Non-Profits ENERGY Businesses

PROJECTS

Incubators

January 2018

Survey and report provided for the Met Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund

by the Saint Francis University Institute for Energy

January 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Infographic Summary ...... 2

Background ...... 3

Objectives & Methodology...... 4

Surveyed Organizations:

- Colleges and Universities ...... 12

- Innovation and Economic Development Centers...... 46

- Other Organizations...... 51

Summary ...... 61

Conclusion...... 67

Appendices...... 68

Images (from left): Greenhouse (credit: Wilson College), Biomass Boiler (credit: Nathaniel Greene, Bloomsburg University), Solar Water Heater Tank Installation (credit: SEEDS)

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Renewable & Clean Energy Projects

Alternative Vehicles Anaerobic Digestion Biofuels Biomass Energy Ef ciency Geothermal Hydro

PPAs RECs Solar, PV Solar, Concentrated Solar, Thermal Wind Other

at Pennsylvania Institutions, Incubators, Economic Development Centers, and Organizations Stakeholders Surveyed: 29 Institutions of Higher Ed. Innovation and Economic 7 Development Centers 9 Other Organizations Total Individual & 61Survey Participants

Most Typical Clean Energy Strategies Deployed: The most researched renewable technology is solar. Energy Ef ciency Upgrades The most invested-in clean energy companies are: Solar Projects biofuels/biomass, energy ef ciency, and smart grids. Purchase of RECs or PPAs with Renewable Generators

Biggest obstacles for deploying new clean energy technologies: Up front capital investment costs, slow return on investments, low and declining electricity costs, building ownership, and permitting. Biggest motivations for deploying new clean energy technologies: Educational/teaching tool, organizational sustainability goals, and cost savings.

NEXT BIG CLEAN ENERGY GAME CHANGER/BREAKTHROUGH:

1 Energy storage technology 4 Smart grids 7 More wind farm construction

2 Reductions in solar PV costs 5 Federal/State renewable incentives & policies 8 Use of existing dams for hydro-electric power

3 Use of electric vehicles 6 Building automation, sensors, & ef ciency tech. 9 Fuel cell technology BACKGROUND The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been, and continues to be, home to an abundant array of energy resources. Although Pennsylvania has traditionally been known for its fossil resources and electricity generation, renewable energy technologies continue to emerge as viable alternatives for Pennsylvanians.

As of 2017, there were 23 solar farms on a utility-scale (defined as 1 Megawatt [MW] or greater), 25 utility-scale wind farms, 17 conventional utility-scale hydroelectric facilities and 2 utility-scale pumped hydro facilities operating in Pennsylvania, along with 28 operational anaerobic digesters. In addition, approximately 17,000 certified alternative energy generators were registered for producing electricity in Pennsylvania as of early 2018.1

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected in late 2017 that the solar panel installer occupation would be the fastest growing career between 2016 and 2026, with wind turbine service technician projected as the second fastest growing. In 2017, 69,923 clean energy jobs existed in Pennsylvania, up six percent from the previous year, according to a report by E2 and the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA). Nearly four-fifths of the jobs were in the energy efficiency sector, with renewable energy, advanced grid, advanced transportation and clean fuels compiling the remaining fifth.

When Pennsylvania developed its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards in 2004, the goal was considered to be lofty. Today, however, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), reports that the state is on track to meet the mandate of 18% alternative energy generation by 2021. And while the state has experienced growth in the clean energy sector since 2004, some other states have set more ambitious goals to become more energy efficient and reach higher levels of renewable energy penetration. For example, Hawaii has targeted a 100% renewable energy goal by 2045 and Vermont targets 90% by 2050.2

At the state level, Pennsylvania is currently formulating a plan that targets 10% of electricity generated in the state come from solar by 2030, while another initiative seeks to advance the adoption of electric vehicles. Many farms, businesses, and homeowners have installed renewable energy systems and implemented energy efficiency practices to save money and gain environmental benefits, while institutions of learning have installed projects as educational assets and conducted research to find the next big breakthroughs in the field of clean energy.

This report compiles data from sampled Pennsylvania institutions of higher education, incubators, innovation centers, economic development centers and other stakeholders to examine what renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are currently being deployed and researched to better understand the obstacles and opportunities for future development.

1Solar, wind and hydro data from U.S. Energy Information Administration Electricity Browser; Anaerobic digester data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency AgSTAR; Qualified AEPS generator data from Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Credit Program. 2Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; 2016 Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan.

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OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of this report are to:

1.) Discover and demonstrate stakeholders’ biggest needs and obstacles pertaining to development of clean or renewable energy projects 2.) Identify the most up-to-date and relevant renewable energy projects currently being deployed in the state

METHODOLOGY The Saint Francis University Institute for Energy (Institute) worked with the MetEd/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) to develop a list of survey questions to administer to the stakeholders. Specific stakeholders included Pennsylvania institutions of higher education, economic development centers, innovation centers, incubators, and others performing work in the renewable and clean energy sectors. The organizations contacted by the Institute were selected based on one or more of the following criteria: suggested by the the MetEd/Penelec SEF, located in the MetEd/Penelec SEF territory, and/or were known to be active in the sustainable energy field. The original project goal was to reach 25 different stakeholders for comment, which was exceeded. 146 individual stakeholders were contacted via email correspondence, requesting a short phone interview to discuss renewable energy at their organization (that number includes some individuals who we learned were no longer employed at their respective institutions as well as some who referred us to other individuals). Of the stakeholders contacted, 61 were available for personal correspondence. Phone interviews were the primary method of obtaining data, followed by email correspondence, and online surveys. Supplementary data was also obtained through the web.

The following is a list of successful interviewees and the organizations they represent:

= In Person = Phone = Email Correspondence = Survey Participant

Contact Institution Contact Title Method

Allegheny College Kelly Boulton Sustainability Coordinator

Assistant Professor of Allegheny College Ian Carbone Environmental Science

Bedford County Development Association Bette Slayton President

Ben Franklin Institute Innovation Works Jeff McDaniel Executive-in-Residence

Ben Franklin Technology Partner, Central John Siggins Portfolio Manager Office

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Contact Institution Contact Title Method Nathaniel Professor in Physics and Bloomsburg University Greene Engineering Technology

Bucknell University Stephen Durfee Campus Energy Manager

Carnegie Mellon University Martin Altschul Physical Plant

CMU, Wilton Scott Institute for Energy Anna Siefken Associate Director Innovation Director of University Chatham University Mary Whitney Sustainability

Clean Energy Co-op Jack Barnett President

Director Energy Innovation Ctr & Community College of Allegheny County Sylvia Elsayed Workforce Account Center for Sustainability Dickinson College Neil Leary Education Director Executive Director of Technical Drexel University Nick Haas Services and University

Engineer Drexel University, Institute for Energy and Senior Associate, Institute for Hugh Johnson Environment Energy & the Environment

Drexel University, Nanomaterials Group Yury Gogatski Energy storage researcher

Duquesne University Mark Johnson Director, Energy and Utilities

Director of the Center for the Franklin & Marshall College Sarah Dawson Sustainable Environment

FirstEnergy Steve Oillette Technical Representative

Owner, Hot Earth Collaborative, Hot Earth Collaborative Sharon Pillar LLC Sustainable Energy Program Green Building Alliance Angelica Ciranni Manager Huntingdon County Business and Robert Reitman Executive Director Industry, Inc.

Mercyhurst University Sarah Bennett Sustainability Coordinator

Messiah College Brandon Hoover Director of Sustainability

Mount Aloysius College Gerald Rubritz Director of Facilities

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Contact Institution Contact Title Method Director, Facilities & Public Northampton Community College Mark Culp Safety Program manager—Energy and Pennsylvania Environmental Council Lindsey Baxter Climate Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Shippensburg Professor, PERC Ben Culberston Consortium (PERC) Pres-Elect Tiny house/energy storage Pennsylvania State University David Riley professor Asst. Professor, ME and Nuclear Pennsylvania State University Hosam Fathy Engineering Aerospace Engineering/ Wind Pennsylvania State University Susan Stewart Energy Option Leader Assistant Professor and Pennsylvania State University Daniel Ciolkosz Research Associate Edward Educator, Energy Savings and Pennsylvania State University Johnstonbaugh Renewables

Pennsylvania State University Mike Prinkey Energy Director, OPP

Pennsylvania State University Kim Berry Chief Operating Officer

Pennsylvania State University Walter Fullam Director, Continuing Education

Pennsylvania State University Ann Quinn Director, Greener Behrend

Undergraduate Coordinator of Bruce Pennsylvania State University Physics, Associate Professor of Wittmershaus Physics Assistant Professor of Electrical Pennsylvania State University Javad Khazaei Engineering, Science,

Engineering, and Technology Assistant Professor of Pennsylvania State University Joseph Ranalli Engineering Sustainable Energy Program Penn State at the Navy Yard Lisa Surlock Manager Pennsylvania State University/Mid-Atlantic Program Chair of B.A. in Energy Vera Cole Renewable Energy Association & Sustainability Policy

Saint Francis University Marius Strom Lab Instructor, PNG Engineering

Director, SFU Institute for Saint Francis University Allison Rohrs Energy

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Contact Institution Contact Title Method Assistant Professor of Saint Francis University Rachel Wagner Engineering

Saint Francis University SBDC Barry Surma Director of SBDC

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Director, Planning and Brandon Carson Development (SAPDC) Community Development Sustainable Energy Education and Jocelyn Cramer Executive Director Development Support (SEEDS) Assistant Professor, St. Vincent College Pete Smyntek Interdisciplinary Science Professor, Earth & Susquehanna University Kathy Straub Environmental Science Director of Facilities Susquehanna University Chris Bailey Management Climate and Energy Policy The Nature Conservancy Evan Endres Manager

University of Pennsylvania, Sustainability Dan Garafalo Director of Sustainability

Energy Management and University of Pittsburgh Steve Svoboda Engineering

University of Pittsburgh, Energy Center Katrina Kelly Director

University of Pittsburgh Innovation Lee Ann Briggs Environmental Consultant Institute Chris Energy and Earth Resources University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Coughenour Professor Assistant Director Facilities University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Jaclyn Krawczyk Management

Villanova University Liesel Schwarz Sustainability Manager

Director, Center for Energy Washington & Jefferson College Corey Young Policy and Management Fulton Center for Sustainable Wilson College Christine Mayer Studies Director

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These stakeholders represent voices from across the Commonwealth:

The following questions were used as a guide throughout each phone interview. They were also the questions asked in each online survey. Questions were adapted slightly depending upon the audience. Survey Questions

Institution: Name of Interviewee: Position at Institution: Date:

1. Do you have a clean or renewable energy project currently in operation at your institution? Check all that apply. - Alternative Vehicles - Anaerobic digestion - Biofuels for transportation - Biomass o Heating o Electricity - Energy efficiency upgrades - Energy storage - Geothermal heating/cooling - Micro-hydro - Purchases alternative energy credits - Solar o PV o Hot water o Concentrated solar

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o Passive solar o Utility scale (greater than 1MW) - Wind o Small wind (less than 1 MW) o Utility scale (greater than or = to 1 MW)

o For water pumping - Other: ______

2. Do you have a clean or renewable energy project currently in development at your institution? Check all that apply - (Same choices as question 1)

3. Are you researching any renewable energy technologies at your institution? Check all that apply - (Same choices as question 1)

4. Do you currently have a technologically feasible clean or renewable energy project that is not going into development because of lack of financial resources? If yes, explain.

5. What is your motivation for installing a clean or renewable energy project? Rank top 3 - Educational/teaching tool - Organization’s sustainability goals - AEPS goals - Publicity - Save money - Environmental benefits - Other:______

4. If you currently have a clean or renewable energy project at your institution, what was the biggest obstacle you overcame to deploy it? Chose top three barriers: - Capital investment - Access to operations and maintenance support - Community opposition - Institutional pushback - Environmental issues - Safety concerns - Other:______

5. Is your organization assisting any other organizations or community members in the development or clean and/or renewable projects? If yes, in what capacity?

6. What is the most important technical advance/breakthrough/game-changer that could happen in the next five years in sustainable/renewable energy field?

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Definitions/Classification of Clean Energy Technologies: Alternative Vehicles are those that utilize a fuel source other than traditional gasoline, such as plug-in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel, and others. Organizations were classified as having these in operation if they used these types of vehicles, were researching this type of technology, or if they had alternative vehicle charging stations.

Anaerobic Digestion is the use of microorganisms to break down organic material, typically yielding a biogas. Such gas can either be combusted to generate electricity and heat, or it can be processed to be used as a transportation fuel.

Biofuels are fuels that originate from organic material or the process of anaerobic digestion that can be used for electricity generation, heat, or transportation purposes.

Biomass is an organic material from plants or animals that can be burned for heat or to generate electricity. Wood, compost, and animal waste are typical biomass feedstocks.

Energy Efficiency, for this report, encompasses a very broad definition, and includes any upgrades to existing infrastructure or construction of new infrastructure that reduces the overall typical energy consumption of the building.

Energy Storage allows energy to be stored for later. Battery technology to store electromechanical energy is a common example. It is extremely relevant to the renewable energy field because it provides a way for intermittent renewable technologies to be dispatchable.

Geothermal technology uses the consistent, moderate temperature of the earth to provide more efficient heating and cooling through the use of ground source heat pumps, and in some locations, generate electricity (although the latter technology is not used in Pennsylvania).

Hydro Power converts the kinetic energy of moving water (streams) to electrical power. It is used in both large and small (micro-hydro) applications.

Alternative Energy Credits (AECs), also called Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), are non- tangible credits produced from a renewable generator. They are not a physical purchase of power. In Pennsylvania, each alternative energy credit represents 1 MWhr of electricity produced by an alternative energy source.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is an agreement between an energy generation facility and large offtaker to purchase a specified amount of power. Many organizations surveyed sign PPAs with renewable generators.

Solar, Concentrated uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate the heat from the sun. The heat can be used to make steam and generate electricity, or it can be used to heat water.

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Solar, Hot Water technology collects the solar thermal energy to heat water.

Solar, Photovoltaic (PV) technology produces an electrical current when sunlight strikes the PV cells. This is the technology utilized in typical solar panels.

Wind energy technology uses a rotor with large blades to harness the kinetic energy in the wind and convert it to electrical power.

Other projects noted in this study included the use of microgrids, DC energy systems, and efficient natural gas technologies that replaced coal technologies.

Each interviewee provided as much information as they could for each of the survey questions. For many of the colleges and universities, multiple interviewees were necessary to accurately demonstrate the renewable energy projects and research. For example, we contacted the physical operational plants of many of the organizations to best understand the renewable energy projects that were currently deployed and under development on campus, and we also spoke to faculty about research projects and up and coming renewable energy technologies. Although attempts were made to provide a complete picture of activities occurring at each organization, many of them have hundreds or thousands of employees, so this report should be viewed as a snapshot of activities occurring at the given organizations and not necessarily representative of all activities/projects. In addition, the information in this report came from individuals and may or may not be representative of the views held by the organizations for which these individuals work.

Data provided by each interviewee was tracked in an Excel spreadsheet, quantifying clean energy projects in operation, researched, invested in, motivations, obstacles, and “game- changers.”

The stakeholders were classified into three different groups: “Colleges/Universities,” “Innovation Centers and Economic Development Centers,” and “Other.” Data from each group was analyzed and reported in the following sections.

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COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Summary of Colleges and Universities A total of 29 colleges and universities provided valuable data for this report. The following Universities were successfully contacted and provided feedback for this study: Colleges and Universities 1 Allegheny College 2 Bloomsburg University 3 Bucknell University 4 Carnegie Mellon University 5 Chatham University 6 Community College of Allegheny County 7 Dickinson College 8 Drexel University 9 Duquesne University 10 Franklin & Marshall College 11 Mercyhurst University 12 Messiah College 13 Northampton Community College 14 Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium 15 Pennsylvania State University, Berks 16 Pennsylvania State University, Erie 17 Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg 18 Pennsylvania State University, Hazelton 19 Pennsylvania State University, University Park 20 Pennsylvania State University, Navy Yard 21 Saint Francis University 22 Saint Vincent College 23 Susquehanna University 24 University of Pennsylvania 25 University of Pittsburgh 26 University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown 27 Villanova University 28 Wilson College 29 Washington & Jefferson College

When applicable, corresponding university energy research organizations were also contacted to obtain information about current renewable energy research on campus.

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University Energy Research Centers 1 A.J. Drexel Institute for Energy and the Environment 2 A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute Carnegie Mellon University, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy 3 Innovation 4 Penn State, Battery & Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Center 5 Saint Francis University, Institute for Energy 6 University of Pittsburgh, Energy Center

Individual faculty members were contacted to discuss research as well. University operations/physical plant representatives were contacted to better quantify the renewable projects that were already in operation at the university. Campus sustainability coordinators often provided the information as well.

Summary of university/college installed renewable energy technologies: The most common clean energy deployment across PA college and university campuses was energy efficiency upgrades. The second most deployed technology was solar PV followed by the purchase of renewable energy credits or power purchase agreements with renewable energy generators to supply campus power. Geothermal and alternative vehicle charging stations were also popular at higher ed institutions. There were no hydro projects on campuses, however there were organizations purchasing power through a PPA with hydro companies.

Nearly every university and college in the state is performing energy efficiency upgrades. Projects typically fell into two categories: upgrades to infrastructure or attempts to change

13 energy use behavior. The University of Pennsylvania has a 100 year, $200 million bond program in place specifically for campus HVAC and lighting efficiency upgrades. Lighting and HVAC upgrades were the most common infrastructure upgrades. Allegheny College, Bloomsburg, and Washington & Jefferson Colleges engaged students in energy conservation challenges. At Allegheny, the value of the energy saved was reinvested back into on-site renewable projects, like new solar. Energy efficiency projects were noted as having the quickest return on investment of all the clean energy projects institutions of higher education explored.

A total of approximately 5 MW of solar PV have been installed within this stakeholder group. Solar PV Systems surveyed ranged in size from 1 Kilowatt to 3 Megawatts.

Susquehanna University just broke ground on a the largest on-site solar system. The 3.9 MW (DC) campus solar farm is expected to provide 30% of the campus’ electricity needs. The University signed a power purchase agreement with WGL to purchase the power from the solar farm and does not own the panels. Power purchase agreements have become more popular amongst universities and other non-profits because the for-profit installers are eligible for federal tax incentives (that nonprofits are not) and able to pass those savings down to the consumer. Other universities utilizing this financing structure include Elizabethtown (2.6 MW) and Chatham University (110 kW).

Northampton Community College had the largest solar array (637 kW) of any college we interviewed where they own the solar panels outright.

Dickinson College is using a combination of ownership and PPA structures. 110 kW of solar capacity are currently deployed throughout campus, and the University just signed a 3 MW PPA solar agreement that will be installed in 2018.

Many colleges noted purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), specifically, Green-e certified renewable energy credits. Others noted power purchase agreements with solar farms, wind farms, and in-state hydro dams.

Geothermal systems were popular as well, with eleven universities citing using this technology and often multiple systems across campus.

Alternative vehicle charging stations are popular amongst colleges and universities. Penn State University is using their electric car charging stations to leverage more renewable projects with an internal policy that requires additional demand for electricity created by the use of the charging stations come from on-site renewable power. They intend to use revenues generated from the electric car charging stations to purchase more on-site renewable power.

Some universities are using biofuels in their fleet vehicles and other applications, like hydraulic fluids in elevators. Three universities were using biomass for heating applications. Anaerobic

14 digestion was typically only used for demonstration, but did contribute to a handful of organization's overall energy mix.

The most typical solar thermal application was for solar hot water heating used in dorms and other campus buildings. Solar hot water systems were noted by multiple universities, however, as having lengthy return on investments. Penn State Berks and Allegheny College were the only two colleges using concentrated solar applications.

The largest wind power system was 10 kW, deployed at Northampton Community College. Additionally, many universities cited power purchase agreements with wind farms as a method of reaching their sustainability goals. Small scale wind power was often noted to have mechanical issues and problems requiring qualified maintenance workers to fix broken turbines.

Summary of University Research The most researched renewable energy technology in the state was in field of solar power, followed by energy storage and energy efficiency.

In the field of solar, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) researchers are studying solar fuels, organic photovoltaics, and artificial photosynthesis. Drexel is researching perovskite solar cells. These solar cells use alternative, organic materials that are abundant in nature and do not require rare earth materials like typical photovoltaic solar cells. At Penn State Berks, students have installed solar on the roof of a shipping container (C-can) and are powering a living space inside the container with the idea that the container could easily be transported to places that have lost grid power from a natural disaster or other reason. Faculty and students at Allegheny College and Penn State Erie are studying ways to improve the efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs).

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The second biggest clean energy research focus was in the field of battery storage. Battery storage was also noted as the “biggest game changer” amongst all stakeholders interviewed for this report. Penn State, University Park campus has the Battery and Energy Storage Technology Center (BEST) where they are researching nearly every aspect of the battery storage sector. The Center is one of only two university labs in the country that has the ability to manufacture batteries larger than a watch cell. Carnegie Mellon University is also a leader in energy storage research, with notable projects including next-generation batteries for electric vehicles and designing lithium-oxygen batteries for electric aircraft; low-cost saltwater-based batteries and fuel cells that turn bacteria into power; and the pairing of batteries with renewables to build fewer transmission lines.

Energy efficiency was the third most researched clean energy topic at universities. At CMU, the Green Design Institute is researching how to effectively use renewable and non-renewable energy resources for sustainable global development. Research is currently being conducted around new sensing systems for construction companies to develop more sustainable, efficient, and economical buildings. The majority of energy efficiency research being conducted at universities is in the field of building sensing and automation, as well as behavior studies of energy use and conservation.

Summary of Motivations The number one motivation for implementing a clean or renewable energy technology on campus was the use of the technology as an educational tool. The second biggest motivation for installing clean energy projects was to reach campus sustainability goals. Lastly, the third biggest motivator for universities was overall cost savings, typically seen with the implementation of energy efficiency projects.

Many universities noted that the renewable energy projects were implemented to be used as teaching tools. Almost all the universities with on-site solar or wind projects incorporated data collection from that system into coursework or student research projects.

In addition to the value of the system as an educational tool, implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects were also motivated by overall campus sustainability goals. Some schools have documented clear sustainability goals, such as Chatham University where they are committed to a zero carbon footprint by 2025. Drexel is part of the “Philadelphia 2030 District” a group of private stakeholders committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Many universities and colleges also have “climate action plans” that are setting goals that are spurring the use of renewable energy, through onsite renewable projects or the purchase of RECs as well as through energy conservation efforts.

Summary of Major Obstacles Access to the upfront capital funding and lengthy return on investments of renewable projects were the number one barrier for universities interested in installing clean and renewable energy projects. Many universities cited cheap and declining electricity prices as primary reasons as well. Many universities, including Saint Francis, are paying less than 5 cents/kWh for electricity.

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Typical installed costs of solar are 10-15 cents/kWh, more than double the current rate. With return on investments (ROIs) 20-30 years, many universities are not willing to invest in onsite technology. Energy efficiency upgrades, however, typically have 3-5 year returns, which is why so many institutions are implementing these first.

Recent federal Department of Energy funding freezes were also noted by many researchers in the field of renewable energy as a major current obstacle. Space constraints, permitting, access to operations and maintenance support and institutional pushback were also cited as being major obstacles in deploying new projects.

Summary of “Game-Changers” The number one game-changing technology in the field of renewable energy cited by members of academia are the anticipated breakthroughs in the field of energy storage. Energy storage plays a significant role in the success of renewable energy because it allows intermittent renewables to become more reliable and dispatchable.

Stakeholders also cited the continuously declining costs of solar technology as the second biggest breakthrough expected in the next five years. They cited the use of electric vehicles as well as smart grid technologies as likely game-changers as well.

Other commonly cited game changers among universities included energy efficiency technologies like automation and integration of buildings, vehicles, and other sensors interacting; new federal and state renewable energy incentives and policies; more wind installations; use of existing PA hydro dams for hydroelectric; and fuel cell technology.

Individual Responses from Colleges and Universities

Allegheny College This liberal arts college located in Meadville, PA has a student enrollment of approximately 2,100. A 24 panel solar array is in operation on a campus building as well as a student installed two panel array (1.68 kW) specifically designed for education. Construction of a small greenhouse that produces more energy than it consumes was recently completed to allow for sustainable food production. It features luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) on the roof that gather light to produce electricity, while allowing certain wavelengths of the light to pass through and reach the plants below. The facility also features a pellet stove that will utilize switchgrass for heating, allowing for a completely off-grid system and an extended growing season. Three geothermal installations have been installed on campus, two in residential halls and one in a lecture hall. Energy efficiency improvements have been implemented, including upgrading insulation, boiler retrofits, and two lighting retrofits. An upcoming analysis will examine the efficiency of 75 fume hoods in the science building. In fall 2017, a four-week Energy Challenge led to a 14.2% reduction in energy consumption. Money saved during the challenge was reinvested in sustainability projects, like additional solar panels and filtered water refilling stations. The college currently purchases all its electricity from regional wind suppliers; ideally

17 the school would like to purchase locally produced wind in the future, if the opportunity presents itself.

The college has explored expanding the use of solar photovoltaics on campus. A GIS-based research project identified the best rooftops for solar installations, based upon shading and maintenance repair schedule. Pole mounted solar could also be considered, but space constraints are an issue. If a project is not completed on campus, the college may explore partnering with another organization to install a project elsewhere. Allegheny College has a goal to reach climate neutrality by 2020. The college would ideally like to see a project be completed locally to reach these climate goals, rather than buy carbon offsets.

Students are currently researching the feasibility of constructing a net zero building on campus. At this point, the research is an academic exercise, but it could develop into a future project. Another research project is exploring solar in the community, particularly at a downtown shelter in partnership with a local housing authority. This project is contingent upon funding. Other community outreach projects are being considered for the future. Research with luminescent solar concentrators as well as another type of geometric solar concentrator is being conducted to make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective.

A project to install solar thermal at the swimming pool was explored, but ultimately deemed to be financially unviable at the time.

In summary, educational benefits, sustainability goals and environmental benefits are main drivers for completing sustainable energy projects on campus. Capital investment is the biggest challenge. Energy efficiency projects are favored over renewable energy projects, as they typically provide a more immediate payback.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Improvements to installing geothermal in existing buildings during renovations is viewed as a game-changer that could help the college more easily meet its climate neutrality goals.

Persons Interviewed: Kelly Boulton, Sustainability Coordinator, and Ian Carbone, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Bloomsburg University Bloomsburg University, located in Columbia County, was founded in 1839 and has a student enrollment of approximately 8,950, according to the university’s website.

Projects currently in operation at the university include a large-capacity wood-chip boiler that replaced vintage coal stokers. A partnership with the Town of Bloomsburg resulted in a multi- fuel heating system at their recycling facility, which burns waste vegetable oil and waste motor

18 oil. A previous project utilized biodiesel to fuel a campus shuttle bus. The university also has an educational solar kiosk that includes two 100 watt dual-axis panels. One panel’s orientation utilizes auto tracking, while the other panel allows for custom orientation experimentation by a user. The user can view the data at the kiosk. A 3.15 kW ground-mount solar array is also on campus (pictured, credit Nathaniel Greene).

The university previously conducted an energy-monitoring project in five buildings through a purchased software system, but it was left to expire. Students wrote similar software that can be accessed from the kiosk. In 2016, the interviewee coordinated the “PASSHE Unplugged 2016” energy efficiency challenge, which saw eight of the state’s 14 publicly-owned institutions of higher education compete against each other to save electricity over a three- week period. Differences in publicity to engage students and data quality control issues among the different universities created intensive work for the coordinator and resulted in an apple to oranges comparison that would need to be addressed if it were to be completed again.

Other projects have included lower flow shower heads being installed in a dorm and going trayless in the dining hall among other sustainability related projects.

The interviewee has been involved with wind research studies. He is currently studying the feasibility of micro hydro at several locations in New York and at a site in Bellefonte, PA. When the economics of a project work, the engineering often does not, the interviewee said. Hydro projects are ‘extremely engineering intensive’ and require unique design work. Even if a project is implemented, there can be technological problems after the fact. Household sized projects provide the best economics, but also the most challenges. In general, slightly larger projects, those in the 10 or 30 kW range, show great resource potential, as there are many sites in the United States available at that scale, however, there is not much equipment available and the economics of these sizes of projects is not great. Obtaining a permit or exception to install a hydro system can be a long and challenging process.

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Getting students involved in energy projects as a teaching tool is a top motivation, along with saving money.

Low energy prices and cultural opposition to change are viewed as barriers.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Electric car market - Incentives/politics as well as an increase in energy costs will determine how fast advances in sustainable energy are made.

Person Interviewed: Nathaniel Greene, Professor in Physics and Engineering Technology

Bucknell University Bucknell University is a liberal arts institution located in Lewisburg and was founded in 1846.

Clean energy projects in operation at Bucknell include 25kW of photovoltaics and a 0.9 kW wind turbine. Solar thermal hot water is also utilized on campus, but this is noted as having a terrible return on investment. An 850,000 gallon thermal water storage tank was installed in 2016. The university purchases 5,000 wind renewable energy credits annually. An endless amount of energy efficiency and conservation measures have been implemented in buildings throughout campus.

Students, faculty and staff are involved in a variety of research projects at Bucknell. The Renewable Energy Scholars (RES) “have collaborated to plan and design a living learning laboratory for experimentation with renewable energy and complementary sustainable design features.” Called ‘Energy Hill’ by Bucknell’s Center for Sustainability & the Environment, the highest point on campus features wind and solar applications, along with a living greenhouse. The geodesic dome “is inspired by the Living Building Challenge, a certification metric for green construction that demands, among other requirements, that all water and energy consumed by the building be collected and generated on site, without the use of combustion.” Other research has focused on using compost as a heating system, using food waste to produce methane fuel from an anaerobic digester, and energy storage applications that could potentially be used in the developing world.

From an operational standpoint, upgrades have been made to wireless building automation system HVAC controls as a beta test site.

The low cost that the university pays for electricity ($0.045/kWh) makes it hard to justify installing photovoltaic systems, as they are a higher price, according to the interviewee. PV projects have been completed through donations.

Projects are primarily implemented to help meet the organization’s sustainability goals as well

20 as for their environmental benefits and use as educational/teaching tools.

Person Interviewed: Stephen Durfee, Energy Manager

Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon is a private, global research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CMU currently has a 12 kW solar array in operation; utilizes biodiesel in transportation vehicles; has electric vehicle charging stations; and is performing ongoing energy efficiency upgrades, such as LED retrofits and chiller optimization projects. The university also uses unique power purchase agreements. They have a short term energy contract with a wind farm (within PJM) to provide physical power. They also buy National Green-e RECs (from the mid-west) equivalent to the annual electricity consumed on campus. The university has 14 LEED certified buildings. CMU has major LED retrofits in the pipeline/under development. The university has also looked at installing a solar hot water project, but determined the payback period was too long. Their motivations for their recent energy efficiency upgrades are to save money and to increase their organization’s overall sustainability. The interviewee cited capital investment as the number one obstacle for installing new clean energy projects.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - The utilization of PA’s low head hydro dams for renewable electric power generation

Person Interviewed: Martin Altschul, CMU Physical Plant

Carnegie Mellon University’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation works through the academic units of Carnegie Mellon University to find solutions for the nation’s and the world’s energy challenges through research, strategic partnerships, public policy outreach and education. The Institute partners with over 30 energy-related research centers at Carnegie Mellon on commercializing technologies, education, outreach, public policy analysis and innovative research. Over 140 CMU faculty members are affiliated with the institute and lead research programs spanning the breadth of energy technology, policy, and economics. CMU researchers’ focuses in the renewable and clean energy sector include alternative vehicles, energy efficiency, energy storage, solar power, anaerobic digestion and wind power.

In the field of alternative vehicles, faculty members in the Mechanical Engineering department are researching fuel cells for electric vehicles as an alternative to the traditional combustion engine. Researchers are also looking at the energy savings benefits from partial automation of light duty vehicles.

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Energy efficiency research is being conducted across academic disciplines at CMU. School of Computer Science faculty members are researching and implementing a set of “SuperSensors” that will collect energy usage data at the new Sherman and Joyce Bowie Scott Hall—essentially turning the building into a living energy efficiency laboratory. The purpose of the project is to understand energy patterns to reduce energy consumption.

Additionally, the CMU Green Design Institute is researching how to effectively use renewable and non-renewable energy resources for sustainable global development.

Research is currently being conducted around new sensing systems for construction companies to develop more sustainable, efficient, and economical buildings. CMU’s School of Architecture has focused on sustainability and energy efficiency as it relates to designing, constructing and operating new buildings. More specifically, new energy efficiency technology being developed at CMU allows industrial, commercial, and residential properties to become more aware of their facility’s energy consumption loads.

Other current energy efficiency research projects are focused on addressing issues, such as the lack of detail and understanding of a facility’s electricity consumption; the fragmentation of existing building control systems; and the challenges associated with integrating buildings as active participants on the power grid.

Energy storage research at CMU is abundant and ties into many of the other clean energy research projects on campus. Faculty members are currently researching next-generation batteries for electric vehicles and designing lithium-oxygen batteries for electric aircraft. CMU is researching low-cost saltwater-based batteries and fuel cells that turn bacteria into power. There is also research being conducted on pairing batteries with renewables to build fewer transmission lines.

CMU faculty members are studying the solar cell design and Image: The Carnegie Mellon SHINES team uses the manufacturing process. Research is solar photovoltaic panels atop CMU's Solar Decathlon focused on reducing expensive House for their DOE-funded project. silicon waste through new Credit: Carnegie Mellon University. manufacturing techniques.

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In the Bernhard Lab, researchers are studying solar fuels, organic photovoltaics, and artificial photosynthesis. Other research in the Bernhard Lab focuses on the development of parallelized research reactors for the discovery and optimization of light to chemical energy conversions relevant to novel solar energy systems. In addition to solar photovoltaic technology research at CMU, other solar design projects are focusing on implementing solar in developing countries. Designing new systems and infrastructure that utilize photovoltaics instead of traditional fossil fuels allows developing countries with minimal resources an alternative source of reliable energy.

In the area of anaerobic digestion, faculty members are researching microbial fuel-cells for remote and decentralized power generation.

Research in the field of wind energy is primarily on optimizing integration of wind into the grid.

In addition to abundant research in the energy technology space, CMU has many research teams devoted to energy policy topics as well.

Lastly, CMU hosts energy week annually, an event where one can learn about these and more innovative research and technologies coming out of CMU.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Improvements to battery storage technology

Person Interviewed: Anna Siefken, Institute for Energy Innovation

Chatham University Chatham University is a small university, (~2,200 undergraduates) in Pittsburgh. Although the size of the institution is small, the university has significant renewable energy both deployed and under development. Renewable energy in operation: Chatham has 110 kW of installed solar capacity at the Eden Hall campus. The project was completed through a power purchase agreement in which Chatham retains the SRECs. In addition to the PV arrays, they also use solar hot water in two of the biggest residence halls at the Shadyside campus. They use solar hot water heating to warm their grow house and also have an interesting application where the solar hot water takes heat away from the PV panels (making them more efficient) and diverts the heat to keep snow off of a patio. The Eden Hall campus is 100% heated/cooled with a geothermal system. They have recently completed LED light switch outs, manifold updates, and fume hood projects that have significantly lowered their overall energy consumption. The university buys 104% wind RECS for the electricity consumption at the two other campuses as well. Chatham is also exploring a variety of different renewable energy projects for future development. They are performing wind resource studies at all three of their campuses— looking at both vertical and horizontal axis technology. They are in the process of doing a biodiversity study on a local stream for potential micro hydro applications. They are looking at

23 ways to integrate battery storage into their solar PV system and ways to implement smaller scale, solar charging stations throughout campus. Additionally, they had intentions of using fuel cell technology but had to ultimately use gas turbines when the technology became unavailable. Lastly, Chatham is exploring biodiesel/anaerobic digestion opportunities on the Eden Hall campus as well. Chatham is not involved in any large scale renewable energy research projects. In 2016, students won the Allegheny CleanTech Collegiate award for an energy efficiency research project. The university also integrates the majority of the renewable energy technologies and associated data into student curriculum and coursework.

The biodiesel, solar charging, and energy storage projects are not going to development (at this time) mainly because of upfront capital costs. The primary motivation for installing RE at Chatham is the university’s commitment to a zero-carbon footprint by 2025. The major barriers they have faced when developing RE projects has been permitting and access to necessary project capital. Chatham performs outreach with local k-12 schools through campus tours of their renewable energy infrastructure and associated energy education.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Fuel Cells - Battery storage - Move to DC technology - Better inverter technology—more overall understanding of inverters

Person Interviewed: Mary Whitney, Director of Sustainability

Community College of Allegheny County The CCAC offers programs at the Energy Innovation Center and West Hills Center. A non- credit workforce program was available at the West Hills campus and classes have been offered online. HVAC training is currently offered at the Energy Innovation Center. The college has solar and wind training materials, but has not found a great demand for programs with these offerings.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Changes in the field of natural gas will influence how the solar and wind industries advance during the next five years.

Person Interviewed: Sylvia Elsayed, Director Energy Innovation Ctr & Workforce Account

Dickinson College Dickinson College is located in Carlisle and has an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. It was chartered in 1783. The college has a variety of sustainable projects in operation around

24 campus. An anaerobic digestion pilot project was installed at the college’s 50-acre college farm. Food waste from the campus dining hall is used as feedstock. Lots of student involvement has occurred with this project. In addition, a small amount of biodiesel is produced from waste vegetable oil at college farm. Production used to occur at the main campus on a bit larger scale, but was moved to the farm and scaled back due to some safety concerns. One of Dickinson’s Image: Solar installation at Dickinson College. physics professors designed an Credit: Dickinson College. energy storage device, working with students. One version of it was used in an experiment to see if it would improve the efficiency of biogas production at the college farm. Another project involved building an electric powered bicycle by a physics professor working with students. They have plans to produce more of the bikes for use on campus. The farm’s assistant manager, working with students, converted a tractor to run on battery power, which is charged with solar photovoltaic panels. Dickinson has about 130 kW of solar pv on campus. Students were involved in design and installation of a number of the systems. The college signed a power purchase agreement for a 3 MW solar pv system that will be installed in the spring of 2018. Renewable energy credits equal to the college’s total annual electricity purchases, about 18 million kWh, is purchased.

If funding permitted, biogas production at the college farm may be scaled up to either compress for use elsewhere or to generate electricity for the farm and to sell to the grid.

Research is primarily focused on alternative vehicles, anaerobic digestion and energy storage.

The motivation for completing sustainable energy projects is driven primarily by the use of these technologies as an educational/teaching tool, meeting the organization’s sustainability goals, and as a way to save money.

Person Interviewed: Neil Leary, Center for Sustainability Education Director

Drexel University Drexel is an urban university located in Philadelphia. They have a 6-8 panel rooftop solar array in operation that powers a chiller onsite. They have invested significantly in energy efficiency technologies—approximately 80 buildings have been upgraded with building automation technology. Drexel purchases power generation from Constellation and offsets it 100% with

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RECs, with 99.9% coming from wind RECs and 0.1% coming from solar SRECs. Energy efficiency upgrades are in constant motion, but installing on-site renewable energy projects are not, citing lengthy paybacks and difficulty siting such projects in an urban area. Drexel is part of the “Philadelphia 2030 District” a group of private stakeholders committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. This has been a motivating factor for installing energy efficiency upgrades. They also cite new code requirements as motivation. Drexel cites capital investment/lengthy return on investments as the biggest barriers for installing renewable energy projects on campus.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Micro-turbines - Battery storage - Absorption chillers - Fuel cells

Persons Interviewed: Nicholas Haas, Executive Director of Technical Services and University Engineer, Drexel Facilities and Real Estate

A.J. Drexel Institute for Energy and the Environment The A.J. Drexel Institute for Energy and the Environment conducts research and scholarly activities that advance energy policies, systems, and technologies. They are working on a variety of renewable energy related research projects in the fields of alternative vehicles, biofuels, biomass, energy efficiency, energy storage, and solar energy.

Faculty members are involved in life cycle analysis of different biofuels as well as examining how residual grease from sewer systems can be used for biodiesel applications.

Faculty members have also been involved with biomass life cycle analysis research.

The building science engineering group is researching different topics in energy efficiency such as smart buildings and load shifting techniques. They have other energy efficiency research in the pipeline related to high-performance building envelopes, both new constructions and retrofits.

Drexel’s Nanomaterials Group is involved in battery (electrochemical energy) storage research. They are currently looking at how to use organic materials and specialized flow capacitors for battery storage. Such applications can be used for grid scale battery backup, which is essential for making renewable energies more abundant on the grid and relieves their reliability issues. Faculty are also researching different types of phase change materials, such as types of concrete that can melt ice.

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In the field of solar, Drexel is researching perovskite solar cells. These solar cells use alternative, organic materials that are abundant in nature and do not require rare earth materials like typical photovoltaic solar cells.

The Institute for Energy and Environment cite the current hold of federal grant funds as a major funding issue. Department of Energy funding specific to renewable energy has been deeply reduced in the past year, halting many renewable energy research projects.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Accelerated adoption of electrified vehicles (both public transit and light-duty passenger vehicles) - Existing building energy efficiency

Persons Interviewed: Yury Gogotsi, Director, A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute; Hugh Johnson, Drexel Institutes for Energy and Environment

Franklin & Marshall College Franklin & Marshall College is a liberal arts institution founded in 1787 and located in Lancaster, PA. The college has two photovoltaic arrays in operation, a smaller 300-square foot array on top of the Sustainability House and a 30.36 kW system installed on top of the Hackman Physical Science Building. Geothermal heating is in use on campus along with many energy efficiency upgrades. The college has historically purchased many RECs. There are five green roofs installed on campus and parking for EVs and hybrids is available. The college has energy meters on Image: Two Franklin & Marshall students the dorms and occasionally hosts energy using bikes to generate energy to make reduction competitions. smoothies and play a radio. Credit: Franklin & Marshall College. Research on solar technologies is conducted in the Chemistry department.

Person Interviewed: Sarah Dawson, Director, Center for the Sustainable Environment

Mercyhurst University Mercyhurst University is a liberal arts institution located in Erie, PA. The university has three buildings with geothermal heating/cooling in operation. Upgrades to LED lighting have occurred

27 throughout campus. The university also purchases 1800 MT of landfill gas offsets and 13,000 MWh of wind RECs.

Research is being conducted for a photovoltaics panel installation on a residence hall.

The university has looked at installing solar panels on many buildings on campus over the past several years but a lack of financial resources has always stopped the projects. Mercyhurst also has land at its North-East campus where a bank of solar panels or wind turbines could be installed if the financial resources were available.

The biggest motivation for implementing projects is their environmental benefits, followed by the organization’s sustainability goals, and to save money.

Capital investment is considered the biggest obstacle, followed by access to operations and maintenance support and institutional pushback.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - A dramatic reduction in the cost of solar panel installation and/or solar in parking lots and sidewalks

Person Interviewed: Sarah Bennett, Sustainability Coordinator Mercyhurst University

Messiah College Messiah College is a liberal arts college based in Mechanicsburg, PA. The college has a solar thermal heating system, consisting of 112 panels, for three of the residency halls on campus in operation. A 1 MW combined heat and power (CHP) natural gas project was completed in the middle of 2016. This system utilizes waste heat for a chilled water/hot water system. In addition, the college has installed LED lighting in a number of buildings and switched from fluorescent T12 to T8 bulbs. The lumens of the lighting in the student union building adjusts to the light available outside, reducing consumption. The college also has an electric vehicle charging station.

The college is in the process of developing a green revolving fund thanks to seed funding. Other projects in development include retrofitting outdoor lighting to LED technology to reduce load. Students are currently calculating costs and return on investment for the lighting project. The college is considering the installation of an identical solar thermal system on a residence unit as it currently has. The college is exploring an EV charging station at a second location on campus. They are also exploring solar photovoltaics, both grid tied and not grid tied. The college is also considering a project to install monitoring systems in apartments to try to hit 20% to 30% electricity reduction targets through behavioral changes, if funding permitted.

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The engineering department conducts studies on the interaction of behavior and systems. The Collaboratory solar team installs solar in the developing world.

The motivation for installing sustainable energy projects is primarily driven by carbon reduction goals, financial return and education.

A barrier to implementing projects is navigating the necessary systems to make a project happen. Getting all the stakeholders together on the same page can be a challenge as one item can affect another item, that then leads to new challenges.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Battery storage - Photovoltaic technology - Communication from the scientific community that connects sustainable energy use to social issues

Person Interviewed: Brandon Hoover, Director of Sustainability

Mount Aloysius College Mount Aloysius College offers a liberal arts curriculum and is located in Cresson, PA. The college has two Toyota Hybrid passenger cars. Upgrades to boilers, when needed, are being done with high efficiency units.

Person Interviewed: Gerry Rubritz, Director of Facilities

Northampton Community College Northampton Community College was founded in 1967 and "serves more than 35,000 students a year in credit and non-credit programs," according to the organization's website. The college has incorporated highly efficient lighting, HVAC and plumbing and has central system geothermal for the Monroe Campus, a 637 kW solar system that supplies 40% of the campus' energy needs, and a 10 kW wind turbine in operation (pictured, credit: Northampton Community College staff).

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The motivation for completing sustainable energy projects is driven primarily by the organization’s sustainability goals, the use of these technologies as an educational/teaching tool and as a way to save money. Capital investment is considered the biggest obstacle to deploying such technologies.

Person Interviewed: Mark Culp, Director Facilities

Penn State University, Berks Penn State, Berks is located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The campus has a solar powered car charging station, a solar powered classroom and a solar powered shipping container in operation. These systems combined are 20 panels, totaling approximately 6 kW of solar power on the campus. These systems also utilize battery backup. In addition to the solar PV projects, the Berks campus also has three concentrated solar electric prototypes and one small concentrated solar thermal prototype used on campus. They also utilize passive solar techniques inside their greenhouse and use the concentrated solar technology to heat water for the greenhouse. Recent energy efficiency upgrades include upgraded building automation systems across campus and LED retrofits on both exterior and interior light fixtures. The

30 university also utilizes a biodiesel mix (20%) in their fleet vehicles and in heating oil as well as in their hydraulic fluids to run the elevators.

They have a combined heat and power with solar and battery storage project in development. Researchers at the University are currently focused on solar, microgrid, and energy storage projects.

The university’s typical motivation for installing renewable projects is primarily as a teaching tool and to create awareness about these technologies; both potentials and limitations.

They cite regulatory issues, where regulations have sometime not caught up with technology, as obstacles for developing new projects.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Better use of data to make energy more efficient - More building efficiency deployment

Person Interviewed: Walt Fullam, Director, Continuing Education

Penn State University, Erie, The Behrend College Penn State Behrend was founded in 1948 and enrolls approximately 5,000 students, according to the university’s website. At Behrend, fundamental research is conducted on improving Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSC), focusing on ways to make them more efficient and improving the lifetime of the fluorescent materials while trying to keep their cost low (their biggest potential).

Each year students in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Club compete in the International Supermileage Challenge to see which teams' vehicle can drive the farthest on one tank of high-octane gasoline. In 2017, the team's 8 feet long by 2 feet high, lightweight and aerodynamic designed vehicle traveled 2,418 miles, allowing the team to take second place in the competition. The club aims to reach 3,000 miles in the future.

On Friday nights, students work to reduce electricity consumption by going around campus to turn off extra lights and projectors as part of the Friday Night Lights Out (“FNLO”) initiative.

Persons Interviewed: Bruce Wittmershaus, Associate Professor of Physics, and Ann Bolla Quinn, Director, Greener Behrend

Penn State University, Harrisburg Penn State Harrisburg was founded in 1966 and has an enrollment of more than 5,000 students, according to a university fact sheet. The university currently has battery storage in

31 operation/in development on campus. There is also a wind and solar emulator. Faculty are working on a multi-level converter based solar system and would like to implement the project, if funding allowed. Energy storage, photovoltaic and wind energy research is being conducted.

The motivation for completing projects is primarily driven by the projects being an educational/teaching tool, the organization’s sustainability goals and environmental benefits. Limited financial support is viewed as the biggest obstacle.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Application of distributed control using communications for renewable energy resource planning.

Person Interviewed: Javad Khazaei, Assistant Professor, by online survey

Penn State University, Hazleton This branch campus of the Pennsylvania State University is home to approximately 900 students. It is the only one that offers a Bachelor of Science degree in General Engineering with an Alternative Energy and Power Generation Track. The first class with this degree graduated in 2014. A 3 kW net metered solar photovoltaic array is in operation at a campus building and a solar hot water unit is used for demonstration purposes. At one point, a small wind turbine was located on campus, but due to damage, it was removed. Energy efficiency improvements were made to the main classroom building on campus during a recent renovation.

Student research has included the development of a solar powered go-kart (later donated to a local high school); solar canopies for charging stations; characterization of commercial batteries; combined heat and power analysis with a local company that led to an installation (the installation had revisions from the initial design); development of a sensor to measure the level of soiling on solar panels at utility scale solar farms; and a small scale wood gasifier to serve as a stand-alone generator to offset oil consumption in the developing world. Students are currently studying the feasibility of building a net zero mobile trailer; if funding permits, plans call for the unit to be built and used for community events.

Faculty research has included the development of a smartphone application to verify solar shading; integrating solar resource information with GIS, study of self-formed lithium halide batteries that could potentially reduce battery size; battery cathodes for lithium-ion batteries; and dioxazine based small molecules and polymers that could be applied to organic solar.

Environmental benefits, educational/teaching tool and saving money are seen as primary motivations for installing projects. Capital investment is viewed the biggest obstacle to installing projects, with space constraints also considered a small, but notable concern.

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The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Reductions in the cost of energy storage is viewed as the biggest game-changer that could help get renewable energy utilization to 100 percent.

Person Interviewed: Joseph Ranalli, Assistant Professor of Engineering

Penn State University, University Park Penn State is the largest university in the Pennsylvania and involved with a number of renewable energy projects. PSU has many projects currently in operation, including 20- 25 kWs of solar PV arrays at multiple locations across campus, solar hot water, geothermal, anaerobic digestion for heat, and ~ 5 kW small wind. They also have two power purchase agreements with different hydroelectric stations in PA. There are electric vehicle charging stations on campus as well. The university is using the stations to leverage more renewable projects with an internal policy that requires additional demand from the charging stations come from on-site renewable power. Penn State has constructed two “tiny houses,” one of which is solar powered (pictured, credit: Penn State University). PSU purchases Alternative Energy Credits as part of the their AEPS standards and also participates in demand response. Lastly, the university is constantly performing energy efficiency upgrades throughout the campus buildings.

At the present time, PSU has two renewable energy projects under development. They have an anaerobic digestion project that is expected to produce electricity from animal waste at the animal facility. They also have a 2 MW solar with battery backup project under development. The cost of the batteries is inhibiting the construction. In general they cited upfront capital investment and project cash flow as their biggest burden for starting a project. They cite campus sustainability goals and environmental benefits as their two biggest motivators for developing renewable energy projects.

Penn State is involved in the following renewable energy research areas: Alternative vehicles, anaerobic digestion, biofuels for transportation, biomass heating, biomass for electricity generation, energy efficiency, energy storage, geothermal, micro hydro, pumped hydro, smart grid, solar PV, solar hot water, concentrated solar, passive solar, and wind energy.

Within the research field of energy storage, PSU was the first university to have facilities capable of fabricating batteries larger than a coin cell. The Battery Energy Storage Technology

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(BEST) center houses faculty researching nearly every aspect of the industry. Researchers are currently working on inventing new battery chemicals and materials, such as Lithium Sulphur batteries. The BEST lab and faculty are capable of simulating and analyzing new battery technology on a molecular level. In addition to exploring new battery materials, faculty are researching different aspects of battery technology as a complete system—examining battery mechanics, control, and monitoring techniques to optimize the lifetime of the battery. PSU faculty have also recently been involved in solving battery storage and renewable energy integration issues using fewer power electronics. Other faculty are examining the role of energy storage as an asset on the grid - to stabilize frequency. They have partnered with industry to develop an energy storage and microgrid training certification for electrical workers that specializes in mega DC storage. Penn State is capable of performing research in every aspect of the energy storage industry.

In the field of solar, Penn State is working on multiple research projects. They are looking at the integration of multiple hybrid electrical systems, such as batteries, solar PV, and combined heat and power to examine how to better build distributed energy systems. They are involved in researching how short-term forecasting can assist batteries in stabilizing solar PV generation so that cloud cover does not create such dramatic inputs and Image: Morningstar Solar Home, Skystream outputs of electricity onto the grid. wind turbine, solar carport and donated Additionally, they are examining how large Chevy Volt, credit Susan Stewart, Penn State solar generation will affect the grid and how University smart inverters can assist in managing large solar systems.

Penn State is involved with many different clean energy outreach programs. PSU is the leader in the national collegiate wind competition as well as the wind for schools program. Faculty have been involved with the “Solar on State” campaign to bring community members together for a large-scale community solar project in State College. They are also offering a new continuing education class about how to analyze commercial buildings for energy efficiency as well as new training programs for electrical workers on microgrids and energy storage.

Motivations for installing renewable energy systems include: - Use as an educational/teaching tool - Campus sustainability goals - Meeting AEPs goals - Environmental benefits Barriers for installing new renewable energy projects include: - Communication of costs and benefits with decision makers - Project cash flow

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- Access to upfront capital investment - Limited operational and maintenance support - Institutional pushback

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Taller towers for utility scale wind (Stewart) - Cost effective, integrated energy storage (Stewart) - Continued inverter enhancement (Prinkey) - Electric vehicles interacting with the grid/contributing to demand response—with new automation technology (Prinkey) - Battery technology becoming 2-3 x cheaper (next 3-5 years) and potential for batteries to last 2-3 x longer = massive growth on the grid (Fathy) - Lithium ion LTO/LFP technology mass produced battery technology (Fathy) - Consumer acceptance of energy storage—personal use/homes/buildings with battery storage (Riley) - Cellulosic biofuel cost effectiveness (Ciolkosz)

Persons Interviewed: Susan Stewart, PSU Aerospace Engineering and Wind Energy Option Leader; Mike Prinkey, PSU OPP Senior Energy Program Engineer; Hosam Fathy, BEST faculty member, David Riley, Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering, Dan Ciolkosz, Research and Extension Associate

Penn State at the Navy Yard Penn State offers a variety of educational programs at its Philadelphia Navy Yard location. Current research projects include the development of a building-scale microgrid at a 35,000 sq. ft. commercial building. The facility includes a solar photovoltaic array on the roof, lithium ion and lead acid batteries, and a natural gas fired micro-turbine to be used as a combined heat and power source. It will test various scenarios to determine what outcome results in the most economical configuration, the highest reduction in CO2 emissions, or the reduction of peak load for grid operators, for example. These case studies will be documented and educational materials will be crafted to allow for replicability. The studies will acknowledge that every place is unique, so decisions will need to change based upon location. This CHP-enables renewables initiative will explore how solar can be made more reliable.

The Navy Yard program has formed a statewide collaboration of people, municipalities and groups to implement microgrids at locations such as malls, neighborhoods and campuses. Pittsburgh, Reading, and suburbs of Philadelphia are some of the locations participating. A conference is scheduled for February 2018.

At the Navy Yard, Penn State is leading a project in association with the PA Department of Environmental Protection to research/test how to get small businesses and restaurants to implement energy efficiency upgrades. These types of businesses often have energy intensive

35 refrigeration and cooling needs, but are not investing in energy efficiency. Industry is not marketing to these types of organizations because they encounter a low success rate. The study looks to reduce barriers and the costs of energy auditing. Instead of using trained engineers, the project looks to use trained students to collect data for a contractor. The contractor can then make a proposal and suggest options for grants, loans and rebates. A group in Delaware is also interested in this project, according to the interviewee.

The PSU program at the Navy Yard offers a summer internship program for undergraduate and graduate students who work with employers while taking a summer class or two in programs like design/construction, living systems design, or energy efficiency. The program also includes guest speakers and field trips.

Curriculum on energy storage and microgrids is being developed for electricians thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation and other sources. It has been recognized that electricians are not yet trained with batteries and DC power sources, but need to be as growth continues in the solar and battery markets. Electric utilities have expressed interest in this project as well.

Capital investment and access to operations and maintenance support are viewed as barriers to implementing projects.

The lack of financial resources is noted as being particularly challenging for the small business community to complete energy related projects. Even if a streamlined process is available, businesses typically do not want to pay $5,000 to $20,000 for a project and would need a subsidy to make it a reality. Act 129 support is often not enough. An offset in monthly utility bills is usually necessary to move forward.

Projects are primarily used as a teaching tool and to meet sustainability goals and environmental benefits. Saving money is important for the organizations with whom Penn State is working.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - A dramatic reduction in the cost of photovoltaics and batteries in coordination with advances in vehicles - A tax on carbon could also change the marketplace

Person Interviewed: Lisa Surlock, Sustainable Energy Program Manager

Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium (PERC) “PERC is comprised of over seventy-member schools, member campuses and affiliated Pennsylvania colleges and universities,” according to the organization’s website. Their mission

36 is to enable “Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities to share knowledge and take action towards a sustainable future.”

PERC has started a project to facilitate the aggregation of electric load of member colleges and universities so that they may provide leadership to other schools for adoption of renewables. The organization is currently in the process of surveying PA higher education. PERC is hoping to find funding for a consultant(s) to help create contracts, RFPs and prospective solar projects.

The motivation for completing a project is multi-faceted, and includes curriculum enhancement opportunities, advancing sustainability in higher education and extending that to areas outside of higher education, gaining publicity that will hopefully pull more institutions into PERC’s mission, reducing schools’ energy consumption to save money, providing environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and helping create a movement in PA to transition to renewables and create jobs.

The biggest barriers to completing a project include capital investment and possible institutional pushback. PERC is chronically underfunded. More action could be taken with some funding. This predominantly volunteer driven organization has one paid position, with a part-time executive director. Also, institutional pushback is being considered with the multi-institution PPA survey, which is intended to gauge receptivity or resistance to the project.

PERC has held statewide meetings since 2000 on a variety of sustainability issues. In 2016, the organization met representatives from municipalities across the state to facilitate a discussion on how PA higher education could assist them in their sustainability goals.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Widespread adoption of renewables/storage - Orderly retirement of nonrenewable to keep grid stable - Using this massive shift to teach students and create clean energy jobs.

Person Interviewed: Ben Culbertson, PA Environmental Resource Consortium (PERC) President-elect, Shippensburg University

Saint Francis University Saint Francis University was founded in 1847 and is located in Loretto. The university currently has two geothermal systems in operation, one at the DiSepio Institute for Rural Health & Wellness and another at Christian Hall, a dormitory. A 2.5 kW small wind turbine was installed in 2009, but is not currently in operation due to the installer and manufacturer going out of business, combined with cost constraints. The university is incrementally moving to more efficient lighting in buildings and parking lots throughout campus. The lighting in DeGol Arena, in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center, was recently upgraded. Dryers in residence halls were switched from electric to natural gas due to higher efficiency, according to physical plant staff.

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The Institute for Energy recently completed construction on a 1.68 kW solar array with battery backup on top of the roof of an 8x20 foot tiny mobile power lab that is used for educational outreach. The facility also features a biomass pellet stove and energy efficiency features (pictured, credit: Michael Sell). A project to place a 50-65 kW solar array on top of the Stokes Athletic Center through a power purchase agreement was explored, but ultimately calculated to not be financially feasible as it could not compete with the university's current low electric rates.

Energy research being conducted at SFU includes student interns analyzing the potential for solar photovoltaics on campus rooftops and the ground and students creating initial design concepts for the tiny classroom. There is also research into microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which are a type of bioelectrochemical system that allows bacteria to consume organic matter in waste waters while simultaneously generating a small amount of electrical current. Although the technology is still in development, MFCs are a promising way to reduce the current energy requirements for wastewater treatment and to convert wasted energy in waste waters into useful energy in the form of electricity. A 2017 report by the Institute for Energy analyzing energy policy on Pennsylvania public lands found that approximately 35% of land with utility scale wind resource is on state forest, park, or game land. To date, those areas have not been open to wind energy development. The Institute also provides the state of Pennsylvania with up to date wind resource maps and statistics.

The Institute’s Anemometer Loan Program has been in operation for more than a decade, offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to assess their wind resource with no or reduced financial cost. More than 200 MW of utility scale wind capacity has been installed as a result of data collected by the university. The Department of Energy’s 2016 Distributed Wind Market Report noted Pennsylvania as one of five states with potential to develop at least 3 megawatts in 2018 (large scale, behind-the-meter projects). The Institute has the Pennsylvania Wind Explorer, an interactive online mapping program that allows users to view wind data anywhere in the state, including 30 meter hub height data for free. More than 500 users log into the program annually.

The Institute recognized a need for a centralized location for renewable energy development materials in Pennsylvania, such as solar and wind ordinances, and began to develop an online program in 2016 called the Renewable Energy Assessment Clearing House (REACH). With over 2,000 municipalities to collect data from, REACH needs more funding to bring the project to scale.

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SFU offers a renewable energy concentration as part of the environmental engineering program. Energy Technology and Policy is a new minor at SFU that includes Intro to Traditional and Renewable Technologies as well as an Energy Efficiency and Building science course.

The main motivations for completing projects are for as use as an educational tool, to meet campus sustainability goals, and for cost savings (EE upgrades). Barriers are noted as the low cost of power, capital investment/long ROI, and institutional pushback.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Reductions in the cost of integrated solar roofing and building materials (Tesla), - More PV PPAs for non-profits and businesses - Offshore wind development.

Persons Interviewed: Rachel Wagner, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Br. Marius Strom, Lab Instructor, PNG Engineering, Allison Rohrs, Director, Institute for Energy

Saint Vincent College Saint Vincent College is a liberal arts college located in Latrobe with an enrollment of approximately 1,800 students. Two LEED gold certified buildings are in operation on campus, both utilizing ground source heat pumps. One of those, the Dupré Science Pavilion, also features a 22.2 kilowatt solar array (pictured, credit Saint Vincent College). The Mother of Mercy Mausoleum Chapel features geothermal heating and cooling as well. The college explored switching its boilers to biomass from coal in 2013, but is currently utilizing natural gas. A 40-watt small wind turbine was purchased for classroom usage in fall 2017; it may become a semi-permanent campus structure. If funding and permitting allowed, the college may explore obtaining a larger turbine. A student conducted wind resources assessments in some areas of campus several years ago, but the wind destroyed the equipment for this research.

Different projects may be completed with different motivations. Some projects may be completed with education and environmental benefits as the primary motivation, followed by saving money. This could be true of the solar array, which is highly visible and has data that can be incorporated into classwork. Conversely, the geothermal systems, particularly at the

39 mausoleum, may have been driven by cost savings, followed by environmental benefits and education, due to the technology being less visible to visitors.

When considering the small wind turbine, Access to operations and maintenance support may have been the biggest challenge. Obtaining approvals and addressing safety concerns were also noted as needing to be addressed.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Decreasing cost of solar - Advances in offshore wind - Incentives programs will play a role in deploying additional systems

Person Interviewed: Peter Smyntek, Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Science

Susquehanna University Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts university in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. The university recently broke ground on the biggest solar project at an institute of higher education in Pennsylvania. The 12,000 panel solar farm is a 3 MW (AC) project expected to meet 30% of the electrical energy demand of the campus. They also have a small 3.3 kW ground mount solar array that provides power and is used as a teaching tool. Susquehanna purchases wind RECs for the remaining 70% of their demand. They also have seven residence halls utilizing geothermal heating and cooling. They have made significant energy efficiency upgrades in the last few years. Nearly every campus building now has automation control. They also decommissioned their central coal power plant and replaced it with natural gas boilers in each building—an upgrade that reduced their carbon footprint by 40-45%.

They are also considering alternative vehicle charging stations, solar hot water, and battery storage as part of their large PV system for future deployment.

There are some small, student led research projects being conducted at Susquehanna focused on biodigestion and solar PV. There is also coursework in renewable energy that uses data from their PV system. Susquehanna just developed a new position as campus sustainability coordinator to further integrate sustainability into their overall campus mission.

The university cites money savings and strong return on investment for any project they build as their number one motivation. Their latest solar project is a 25 year PPA with WGL Energy Systems and Susquehanna did not have to invest any upfront capital, making the project financially attractive for the University. Their biggest obstacle when developing a renewable project is the competition with other priorities on campus. Often academics and athletics require funding, and sustainability is of lower priority.

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The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - More solar PV integrated on the grid - More funding/cash flow for RE projects - Better building control and energy management technology - More emphasis on sustainable construction practices with energy as a main design focus - Electric vehicles - Energy storage

Persons Interviewed: Chris Bailey, Director of Facilities, and Kathy Straub, Director of Susquehanna’s Center for Environmental Education and Research

University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia. The university has solar panels and a ground source heat pump system in operation at the Horticulture Center at the Morris Arboretum, about eight miles from Penn’s main campus. Energy efficiency upgrades are currently in effect and planned for years to come. According to Penn’s website, “Penn's Century Bond program is funded by a $300M bond issued in spring 2012 that has a 100-year term. Of that total, $200M is directed towards financing upgrades in lighting and HVAC systems that support energy efficiency and reduce deferred maintenance. The program will help Penn fulfill its goal of reducing the institution's carbon footprint as outlined in its Climate Action Plan. Of the $200M directed towards energy efficiency upgrades and deferred maintenance, approximately $8.5M has been invested in energy efficient lighting upgrades and $190M is planned for HVAC improvements. The remaining funds will be used for other strategic priority projects. The utility cost savings realized through lighting upgrades and HVAC upgrades will be used to offset debt service and the principal repayment of the HVAC projects will be used to fund future projects. Lighting upgrades have been completed on more than 57,000 fixtures in 45 buildings at a total project cost of $8.5M.”

“Penn saves more than $5-million annually in energy costs through state-of the-art central monitoring and control of utilities. From its Operations Command Center, Penn engineers can control campus-wide chilled water and steam utilities, and air-handling systems in buildings across the campus. Through sophisticated temperature/time optimization, temperature setback, and demand management techniques, Penn is able to avoid costly peak utility charges and conserve energy year-round.”

Penn continues to be a large purchaser of green power among institutions of higher education, and is regularly recognized by the EPA’s Green Power Partnership recognition program. In 2017, they were ranked third in the nation by EPA for power purchased from renewables at universities and colleges. According to the EPA’s accounting of voluntary REC purchases, this offsets over 52% of the emissions from Penn’s total electrical usage. In 2013, the University

41 signed a five year contract to purchase over 200M kWh of wind Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) annually.

All renewable and energy efficiency projects are encouraged through Penn’s Climate Action Plan 2.0. According to their most recent report, “Penn achieved an 18% reduction in its carbon emissions from FY 2007 to FY14, and also achieved a 6.6% reduction in normalized energy consumption.”

We were unable to reach any renewable energy researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.

Person Interviewed, Daniel Garofolo, Environmental Sustainability Director

University of Pittsburgh The University of Pittsburgh is located in a heavily populated, urban part of Pittsburgh. The land constraints have made installing many renewable energy projects challenging. Instead of implementing renewable technologies, they are focused on finding ways to improve reduction in consumption. They recently analyzed 16 buildings for energy conservation improvements. They also have electric vehicle charging stations on campus. Renewable energy related projects under development/in exploration include microgrid technology for two campus buildings, and potential hydropower (both micro and utility scale) applications. Their motivation for installing renewable and sustainable projects are to reach campus wide sustainability goals and to diversify their electric generation portfolio. Some barriers Pitt cited in developing renewable energy projects included space, solar resource, return on investment, and overall establishing an institutional comfort level with renewable technologies.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field:

- The building and use of DC infrastructure - Distributed generation - Solar cars and solar roofs - Potential for hydro at PA dams - Natural gas prices—how they will affect renewable costs and ultimately demand for renewables

Person Interviewed: Stephen Svoboda, Mechanical Engineer

University of Pittsburgh, Center for Energy The Center for Energy facilitates energy related research at the University of Pittsburgh. They are currently working on substantial research related to microgrids, DC grids, and power systems research. They are currently completing a capital campaign for the high voltage DC laboratory housed within the Pittsburgh Energy Innovation Center. Pitt is also researching next

42 generation energy conversion and storage technologies, such as photoelectrochemical systems for harnessing solar energy for water splitting. Pitt is working with industry, city, and government agencies to better understand renewable energy deployment. Some examples of their work with government agencies include working with the U.S. Navy to determine how renewable energy technologies could increase security and assisting the city of Pittsburgh in their efforts to transition to a more sustainable community.

The Energy Center is also involved in outreach like working with communities to understand how people feel about renewable energy and how to develop new community energy projects.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Battery storage breakthroughs - Solar oxidized fuel cells - Energy equity for solar projects - Next generation inverters

Person Interviewed: Katrina Kelly, Manager, Strategy and Business Development

University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown There are currently no renewable energy projects or energy efficiency projects in operation at UPJ. They have some faculty working within the field of solar PV research.

Persons Interviewed: Jaclyn A. Krawczyk, Assistant Director Facilities Management; Chris Coughenour, Asst. Professor of Energy and Earth Resources.

Villanova University Villanova is a suburban university close to Philadelphia. Renewable and clean energy projects currently in operation at Villanova include a 4.2 kW solar array on their engineering building, alternative vehicle charging stations, and a geothermal heating system. They have also performed recent energy efficiency upgrades such as lighting upgrades, chiller projects, variable frequency drive replacements, new pumps and a heat recovery system at their pool facility. The campus has six LEED certified buildings.

Villanova currently has a new anticipated LEED certified dorm under development and an LED update at their basketball arena underway.

Villanova is performing research in anaerobic digestion, biomass/biofuels, energy efficiency, and solar technologies. In the biomass field, faculty are researching biomass utilization, specifically on developing thermochemical conversion process technologies for utilizing lignocellulosic biomass, such as woods and grasses. Researchers are also developing catalysts to be used for converting biomass into crude bio-oil which can be used as feedstock

43 for making liquid fuels. A group of electrical engineers are researching solar applications overseas and implementing solar projects in developing countries. Research is also being conducted in the field of smart grid and PV technology. In the energy efficiency field, faculty are studying the potential for thermal waste energy recovery in industrial kitchens

Villanova’s motivation for installing clean energy projects/energy efficiency upgrades are primary for long term energy and cost savings. Energy efficiency upgrades also contribute to their organization’s sustainability goals. One of the biggest obstacles for developing projects is the consistently declining electric prices- making it difficult for renewable projects to be cost competitive and difficult to justify investment. They also cite permitting and land availability in a suburban area for on-site clean energy generation as being challenging. For example, the university explored putting solar on the campus parking garages, however the structures were already at maximum height, according to city ordinances. Lastly they noted that renewable energy PPA’s are often complicated and sometimes hard to navigate and that sometimes finding on-campus technical expertise for projects can be difficult.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Battery storage technology - Smart grid technology - Philly Navy Yard—glimpse into the future?

Person Interviewed: Liesel Shwarz, Villanova, Sustainability Director

Washington & Jefferson College Washington & Jefferson College is a private liberal arts and sciences college located 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The facilities service building has an 18 panel solar array in operation that powers the majority of the building’s energy needs. They also have a LEED silver science building. They are integrating behavior changing projects, like a competition between dorm rooms to reduce energy, as part of their overall energy efficiency strategy.

In the chemistry department, faculty are researching new materials to extend battery life. They are also studying solar deployment subsidies as well how renewable energy corresponds with different behavioral characteristics.

The Center for Policy Research provides energy outreach to the community, most notably in their Annual Energy Lecture Series, where the provide 4-5 lectures open to the community about different energy topics. The also offer training for public officials and workshops about permitting solar projects.

They cite environmental benefits as their primary motivation for installing new renewable energy projects and capital investment as their biggest obstacle when developing such projects. They

44 also struggle with operation and maintenance support of new projects, as their facility management is a third-party contractor and not employees of the university.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - New geothermal technologies

Person Interviewed: Corey Young, Director, W & J Center for Energy Policy

Wilson College Wilson College is a private, liberal arts college located on a 300-acre campus in Chambersburg, PA.

A solar powered, grid-tied electric vehicle charging station is in operation at the college. A 1.6 kW solar array was installed at the college’s Fulton Farm in 2006 and a 6 kW solar array was installed on the pole barn to power the irrigation pump system, replacing a diesel system in 2014. Five dedicated solar panels on the barn charge an electric 36 Volt tractor that can mow approximately 1.5 acres on a charge (pictured, credit: Wilson College). The farm has several passive solar greenhouses. An energy audit of the Tooke Farmhouse showed the need for air sealing and additional insulation in 2013. After upgrades were made, propane usage decreased 20%, resulting in a five-year payback period. Construction of the LEED-certified Harry R. Brooks Complex was completed in 2009 and features solar thermal hot water, low-flush toilets and natural lighting, among other attributes. In 2015, the college switched to LED lighting in the library, resulting in a 23% savings compared to fluorescents.

Educational/teaching goal is considered the biggest motivation for implementing projects, followed by the environmental benefits and the organization’s sustainability goals. The biggest barrier to developing projects is capital investment, followed by access to operations and maintenance support.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Bottom-up pressure to go green

Person Interviewed: Chris Mayer, Director, Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies

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INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTERS Summary of Innovation and Economic Development Centers Of the 28 business development organizations and innovation centers contacted for this study, 7 provided information incorporated into this report. The following organizations were successfully contacted and provided feedback for this study:

Economic Development Centers/Innovation Centers EDCs 1 Bedford County Development Association 2 Huntingdon County Business and Industry, Inc. 3 Saint Francis University SBDC 4 SAPDC Innovation Centers 5 Ben Franklin Technology Partner, Central and Northern PA 6 Innovation Works, Ben Franklin Institute 7 University of Pittsburgh, Innovation Institute

The percentage of business related organizations responding to the survey was significantly lower than that of the higher education and other categories. In general, it appears that when sustainable energy projects/opportunities present themselves, these business oriented organizations will act on them, but it is not a primary focus of their work. Some organizations offered energy development/improvement assistance at one time, but no longer do, due to funding limitations. Others organizations noted that they do not find a great demand for energy related services.

None of the economic development centers or innovation centers were currently deploying any clean energy technologies on-site. They cited cost savings as the number one motivation for those they worked with to install a clean energy project. They cited building ownership as the biggest obstacle for installing a project at their organization, as many of these organizations lease their commercial space.

Two of the organizations that participated in the survey (Ben Franklin Technology Partners) were involved with investments in new clean energy startup companies. The most invested in technology were biofuels/biomass, followed by energy efficiency and smart grids.

Individual Responses from Economic Development Centers

Bedford County Development Association The BCDA’s mission is “to improve the quality of life in Bedford County through economic development while preserving our heritage and natural resources.”

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Geothermal energy is in operation at the Allegheny College of Maryland - Everett campus. BCDA helped bring Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) to Bedford County. The company’s 525,000 square foot building features a solar array and is LEED Silver certified. Schneider Electric offers energy efficiency products and services.

In early 2018, Bedford Borough and its associated authorities voted to apply for a grant to help construct an approximately four-acre solar farm on borough property through a private developer. The electricity would be obtained through a power purchase agreement that could save the borough $3.5 million over 30 years, according to a newspaper article provided by the BCDA.

Primary motivations for completing sustainable energy projects are considered to be saving money, sustainability goals, and environmental benefits.

The main barriers to sustainable energy adoption are considered to be capital investment and access to operations and maintenance support.

Person Interviewed: Bette Slayton, President, Bedford County Development Assn.

Huntingdon County Business & Industry (HCBI) This corporation began in 1912 and is recognized by the Huntingdon County Commissioners “as the leading economic development agency for the county.” Some renewable energy features in the county include ground source heat pumps at Juniata College’s Founders Hall and a solar array at Laney’s Feed Mill. Mount Union Lumber Supply is a large provider of air source heat pumps. A number of small businesses are switching to LED lighting, motivated primarily by cost savings. Opportunities in the biomass industry have been discussed at the county level. A lack of local installers for some energy solutions could be hindering development. The interviewee does not find baseline opposition or support for alternative energy in Huntingdon County and believes that opportunities exist for greater adoption of these sources/technologies in the future. LED lighting will dominate the field over the next five years, with solar, wind and battery storage also being notable players. The Drive Electric PA Coalition is currently working on a roadmap towards greater adoption of electric vehicles and could help this transportation source become more prominent. Rural electric cooperatives could be looked at as good examples of energy innovators. Developing partnerships will be important to moving projects forward.

Person Interviewed: Robert Reitman, HCBI Executive Director

Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center The SBDC is housed at Saint Francis University and does not have any renewable energy projects in operation or under development. The organization does help local businesses

47 research and calculate payback of potential renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades at their business.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Natural gas prices

Person Interviewed: Barry Surma, SFU SBDC, Director

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAPDC) The SAPDC is an organization that promotes community and economic development in the Southern Alleghenies region. SAPDC is not currently working on any renewable energy projects, as funding for their energy program has ended.

Person Interviewed: Brandon Carson, Director, Planning and Community Development

Individual Responses from Innovation Centers

Ben Franklin Technology Partner, Central and Northern PA Below is a list of companies funded out of the Central PA Ben Franklin group utilizing funds provided by the state through an Alternative Energy Development Program (AEDP). This funding started in the 2008 timeframe and was exhausted in the 2014 timeframe. Since then there has not been any other direct investments in companies that would be considered developing or offering a renewable energy focused product or service. Note that many on the list are more energy savings focused products or services versus direct renewable energy products or services.

Alcoil, Inc. - Alcoil is a leading manufacturer of all-aluminum micro-channel heat exchangers for the air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, heating, and industrial process industries.

Energy Wall, LLC – Energy Wall is the developer and manufacturer of a new generation of high efficiency energy recovery ventilator products (ERV) creatively designed to provide the advantages of both rotary wheel and plate type systems, in a flexible, modular system.

Envinity, Inc. – Envinity is a low energy home designer.

Ernst Biomass, LLC – Switchgrass grower & pelletizer

Expansyn Technologies, Inc. – Ethanol Production from biomass

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GreenTek Building Solutions, LLC – Superior insulated wall systems

Impulse Technology – Thermoelectric device development

JCR Sales and Mfg., LLC – Green LED lighting systems

Kendall Innovation LLC – High efficiency boiler system

Lignolink, Inc. – Genetically modified biomass for easier digestion

Matson & Associates, Inc. – Biodiesel system design

PaceControls, LLC – Smart Grid controller technology

Pioneer Energy Products, LLC – PEPRO Renewable Energy System

Sinewave Energy Technologies, Inc.- Sinewave lighting controllers

Solarity LLC – Solar cell design

Terra Green Energy, LLC – Biomass torrefaction technology

Person Interviewed: John Siggins, Portfolio Manager

Innovation Works, a Ben Franklin Technology Partner (Pittsburgh) Innovation Works is one of four Ben Franklin Centers within the state of Pennsylvania. Innovation Works invests in energy (and other sector) startup companies and covers a nine county region throughout the southwest of the Commonwealth. The Pittsburgh office is a tenant of Nova Place and does not have the authority to deploy any on-site renewable energy operations nor are they involved in direct research. They are, however, heavily involved in the investment of clean energy projects in PA. The following is a partial list of renewable and energy efficiency related businesses they have directly invested in within the past several years:

EncentivEnergy – an energy efficiency SaaS company that has the country’s largest database of energy efficiency upgrade rebates by Zip Code

HiberSense – a hardware/software company that enable room by room climate control, similar to “Nest” technology

High Performance Building Solutions (HPBS) – produces modular, high R-value, building materials

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Interphase Materials – system of specialty coatings for heat exchangers that improve power plant efficiency ratings

KWantera – a predictive energy analytic tool that predicts energy costs for industrial energy consumers as well as renewable energy producers (wind).

Module – a modular, energy efficient, tiny house platform that designs small buildings, room by room, that can be built over time, as families/needs grow.

Optimum Pumping – a fluid delivery system that makes pumps more energy efficient

Optimus Technologies – a biodiesel converter that take a conventional diesel engine and allows it to run on biofuels

Renerge – a hydroelectric generator that efficiently performs in slower velocity/smaller bodies of moving water

Solepower – captures kinetic energy from movement in a boot and charges a battery or other devices

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Continue growth in the energy efficiency and battery storage industries

Person Interviewed: Jeff McDaniel, Executive-in-Residence

University of Pittsburgh, Innovation Institute The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute is the University’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The Innovation Institute does not have any renewable energy projects in operation, under development, or under research - primarily because they lease their building space. They do assist their clients with energy efficiency and renewable energy economic review, however this service is not currently in high demand.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - The price of solar coming down significantly - Need for more state incentives

Person Interviewed: Lee Ann Briggs, Innovation Institute, Environmental Consultant

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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Summary of “Other” Organizations During the course of this research, 15 additional organizations that were not directly related to higher education or economic development were contacted for this study, with nine providing information incorporated into this report. The following organizations were successfully contacted and provided feedback for this study: Other Clean Energy Co-Op FirstEnergy Green Building Alliance Hot Earth Collaborative Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Environmental Council Penn State Extension Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support (SEEDS)

Penn State Extension and SEEDS both have solar PV on the roof of the building they operate out of. The extension also has a wind turbine providing power to the building. The Green Building Alliance is located in the Riverwalk Building, located in Downtown Pittsburgh, noted as having energy efficient and sustainable design. The PA Nature Conservancy has a ground source heat pump in one of the buildings in which they operate.

Cost savings, environmental benefits, sustainability goals, and regulatory compliance were all cited as motivations for installing new projects.

These stakeholders cited building ownership, access to capital for new projects, long returns on investments, ineligibility for tax incentives (non-profits), permitting, issues with supply chain, zoning/municipal laws as major obstacles when developing a new renewable project.

Individual Responses from Other Organizations

Clean Energy Co-op Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (SEEDS) of Honesdale, PA, recognized the need for an investment ‘vehicle’ for clean energy projects in the community, but its non-profit status limited its capabilities. This led to the formation of a for-profit organization called The Clean Energy Co-op in 2014, which works with SEEDS (see entry below). The members are the owners of the cooperative and have democratic control in a one-member one-vote manner. Membership is open to everyone and costs $100 (one-time only) to join and includes a Membership (Common) Share in the Co-op. Members volunteer on committees to help find and vet possible projects, and perform the other tasks necessary to run an organization. Once the

51 elected board approves a local clean energy project, the members (actually, just the subset that are resident in PA, due to securities regulations) have an opportunity to invest, by purchasing non-voting Preferred Shares (typically $1,000 each). With enough participation, the project is funded and constructed. Then the Co-op uses the on-going revenues from the project to pay a modest annual dividend (target 2-3%) on those Preferred Shares, buy back some shares (to payback the investors), and/or reinvest in future projects.

The Co-op’s first project in 2015 was a 28 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system that was installed at The Cooperage Project in Honesdale PA (pictured, credit Clean Energy Co-op). This non- profit facility is a widely acclaimed community center, has a high-efficient pellet boiler, and is also home to a public radio station and SEEDS' office. Under this arrangement, also known as a power purchase agreement, the Cooperage paid nothing up front for the solar system, but pays the Co-op for the electricity the system generates each month, so it doesn't have to buy much or any from the utility. The Co-op owns and operates the PV system on the host's roof, and provides all of the building’s annual electrical needs. This project was the nationwide winner of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's award for "Best Community Renewable Energy Project" in 2016. Co-op investors have already received their first two dividend payouts from this project. In 2017 the Co-op also finished a 37.8 kW solar project at Anthill Farm in Bethany, PA. In this case, the Co-op provided a low interest long-term loan to the farm, such that their annual loan payments to the Co-op are less than their previous electrical utility bills.

Person Interviewed: Jack Barnett, President, Clean Energy Co-op

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FirstEnergy FirstEnergy's motivation for using clean or renewable energy systems is for regulatory compliance.

The reduction in long-term energy cost is viewed as the biggest motivation for customers implementing projects, while education of the benefits and up-front capital are seen as the biggest barriers to completing projects.

FirstEnergy assists organizations and community members in the development clean and/or renewable projects through rebates.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Energy storage

Person Interviewed: Steven Ouellette, Manager of Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs

Green Building Alliance “Green Building Alliance has worked to advance healthy, high performing, and green places in Western Pennsylvania since 1993,” according to the organization’s website. It is a chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

One of the organization’s programs is the Pittsburgh 2030 District, which aims to reduce energy and water consumption, transportation emissions and indoor air pollution. Over 79.2 million square feet of building space is enrolled in the program between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.

There are two notable living projects in operation: Phipps Conservancy and Frick Environmental Center, which feature net-zero and renewable features.

The GBA organizes monthly partner meetings to showcase what is happening in the 2030 district and generate participant thinking at a systems level. In 2017, the organization conducted 40 one-on-one meetings with organizations to talk about building performance, how to connect to resources and where they should be focusing their attention.

Providing a comprehensive analysis to small to mid-sized commercial businesses is a target, because these organizations often do not have organizational goals that larger organizations have established (which creates a ‘checks and balances’ system in the back of employee’s minds and helps to move initiatives forward). Smaller businesses, those with less than 100,000 sq. ft., are typically not as sophisticated at running their facilities and do not have capital for building automation. Organizations are often nervous to enter into contracts, such as ESCOs,

53 and prefer to select individual tasks to work on gradually, according to the interviewee. The launch of PennSEF, with support from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, is a new platform that should provide support for projects. Organizations can be “really successful” when they are equipped with the right information.

Some areas of focus for energy efficiency improvements for existing buildings include water efficiency, variable frequency drives, old elevators, envelope (noted as being particularly difficult to address), windows and insulation.

Capital investment is the major barrier to implementing projects, although procuring services and determining the scope of a project can also be challenging. Facility directors can have a difficult time convincing the CFO why a project is beneficial, as energy efficiency projects may be seen as “very challenging,” “very complicated,” and “not tangible.” The facility director has to explain how the building even works. Likewise, with solar, there is a small pool of installers to turn to, and people do not often understand the financial mechanisms available for funding a project. For municipal organizations, options may include a power purchase agreement, lease, or owning their own system, with the option to have a micro grid behind the meter, however, they are unable to take advantage of tax benefits. Private organizations have different ownership models. The interviewee would like to see a tree of steps developed that would model what to do that is tailored to each different organizational type. With a constantly changing market, this would have to be updated on a regular basis. She notes that such information exists, however it is not in one unified location and is not easily accessible to the average user.

Energy efficiency projects are implemented with the primary motivation of saving money. Renewable energy projects, which are more visible, may be installed for publicity purposes. Partners in the 2030 program see a goal that they want to meet, which helps motivate these organizations.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Energy storage, which will be a great application for larger scale partners - The power of the internet of things, which will allow sensing information for occupant comfort, etc. In both of these instances, planning and education will be important.

Person Interviewed: Angelica Ciranni, Pittsburgh 2030 District Director

Hot Earth Collaborative LLC Sharon Pillar is an advocate for solar energy in Pennsylvania. Through her consulting business, Hot Earth Collaborative, she assists small businesses and non-profits develop solar projects. She also works with E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors and others who advocate for energy policies that are good for the

54 economy and good for the environment. Lastly, Pillar is the president and co-founder of Solar Unified Network of Western Pennsylvania (SUNWPA). SUNWPA is a coalition of solar industry professionals, solar owners, and solar enthusiasts who are working together to raise awareness of solar in the Pittsburgh region through education, policy advocacy and marketing activities.

In her work, Pillar identified different motivations for installing clean or renewable energy projects for businesses and non-profits. For businesses, social consciousness and a short ROI were the primary motivation for installing renewable energy projects. For non-profits, motivation generally comes from environmental and societal benefits.

She identified barriers for businesses to develop projects primarily to lack of access to capital/low cost financing and long ROIs. For non-profits, she identified similar funding issues.

She made suggestions for future foundation funding to not necessarily fully fund projects, but work with other third parties to help facilitate PPAs or matching funds for projects. She also listed long-term financing as well as loan loss reserve and revolving funding as strategic options for future foundation funding structure.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Federal climate policy and changes in PA state AEPS (such as increasing renewable energy requirements)

Person Interviewed: Sharon Pillar, Owner, Hot Earth Collaborative, LLC

Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association (MAREA) “The Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association (MAREA) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to informing and educating the public on renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through meetings, workshops, educational materials, and energy fairs.”

The organization recently installed a solar hot water system at Opportunity House in Reading, a non-profit serving the homeless population and others in the community.

MAREA’s president said that financial benefits (ROI and security/energy independence) used to be the main motivation for completing sustainable energy projects, but that emissions and water aspects have become a bigger topic of discussion at educational events. This can be attributed, in part, to the ability to produce electricity from renewables in closer parity to the grid than in the past.

Barriers to implementing sustainable energy projects include access to capital, issues with the supply chain, and the permitting process.

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The organization partners with other educational/advocacy organizations, including the Clean Power Coalition of PA, Lehigh Valley Sustainability Coalition, and Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Advances in energy storage - Home energy monitoring systems will be valuable, as they allow occupants to know what exactly is being used and where to cut back as well as identifying phantom loads. The interviewee is currently testing the Sense home energy monitoring system. - Standardization and improvement to policy

Person Interviewed: Vera Cole, President, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association (MAREA) and Program Chair of B.A. in Energy & Sustainability Policy, Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania Environmental Council The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. The organization itself does not deploy any renewable energy projects—primarily because they do not own any buildings they do business in. PEC does, however, work with community organizations across the state to help implement projects. They are currently working with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to determine the feasibility of hydropower projects at three different state parks. They have also assisted the Cambria/Somerset Water Authority with renewable projects and helped a Johnstown organization assess the geothermal potential from minepools under the city.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Access to green financing - Use of PA hydro dams for electricity production

Person Interviewed: Lindsey Baxter, PEC, Energy and Climate Program Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania The PA Nature Conservancy is an environmental group with the mission “to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.” The organization has three offices, one of which they own. They cite this as an issue with developing onsite renewable energy projects. They do have a ground source heat pump in operation. They are currently with the Sustainable Energy Fund to perform an energy audit to prioritize energy efficiency upgrades and potentially develop an onsite solar project. The PA Nature Conservancy is assisting the community in the development of clean energy projects through their research and reports. Most recently, they

56 released a report identifying opportunities to improve market demand for energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy through new green bank financing system. They are also researching alternative siting options for large scale renewable energy projects to lower overall conflicts with lands use/conservation. The interviewee cited ineligibility for tax incentives (because they are non-profit) as a barrier for developing renewable energy projects.

The most important technological advances that could happen in PA in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Affordable solar technology/continuous decline in solar costs

Person Interviewed: Evan Endres, Climate and Energy Policy Manager

Penn State Extension The Westmoreland County Penn State Extension office is located at the Donohoe Center in Greensburg. The building has two solar arrays, totaling 2.2 kW, and a 10 kW Bergey wind turbine in operation. Both systems were installed approximately 16 or 17 years ago. The wind turbine has been a “maintenance chore” due to lightning issues; the second and third generation inverters have improved and are better at surge protection, according to the interviewee; the solar panel inverter was replaced in 2017.

The extension has approximately 300 customers who have been aggregated together to form a credit market for 7-8 MW of electricity, consisting of mostly solar and bio digester installations.

Another program has been to work with municipal authorities to develop behind the meter projects. The extension received funding from the R.K. Mellon Foundation to help organizations exploring solar options. One of these organizations was the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, which considered the installation of solar projects over 2 MW. Public authorities face challenges because they are tax exempt and cannot apply for funding from sources like USDA REAP. In addition, many parts of Pennsylvania have an aging population and high unemployment. At the same time, these residents expect organizations to do more with less, while increasing performance. The project has sought to develop a tax equity financing model or procure a power purchase agreement.

The interviewee sees a market for low value wood for thermal energy. There is a lot of woody biomass that gets left in the woods. He is also trying to build awareness and develop a market for biochar. Also known as ‘biocoal,’ biochar has a similar BTU content as coal, but not the impurities. It is also accepted as CO2 neutral and can be used for a variety of different uses. It is seen as an opportunity to improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed as it can absorb extra runoff and enhance soil. There is limited production of this product on a large scale in Pennsylvania.

The solar industry is moving forward with lower costs. The 30 percent federal tax credit will continue to aid the industry as will the recent closure of Pennsylvania’s solar border, which

57 should increase credit prices. If FERC does instate new rules for foreign manufacturers, this could raise prices. The wind industry has matured and is good on a large scale; the interviewee is not an advocate on a small scale. Micro-hydro is considered sometimes, but solar is often cheaper, as it has no moving parts.

Motivation for installing sustainable energy systems is usually related to financials, but some are interested in the sustainable aspects.

Challenges include uneven zoning and municipal requirements that result in varying costs and processing times.

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - Solar technology modules - Inverter technology improvements

Person Interviewed: Edward Johnstonbaugh, Educator, Energy Savings and Renewables and PA Wood Energy Team, Team Leader

Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (SEEDS) SEEDS is a non-profit organization in Northeastern PA that “promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable living.”

The organization has helped to coordinate several solar related projects that are now in operation. In 2014, a solar thermal system was installed on a Habitat for Humanity home in Wayne County, believed to be the first solar system installed on a Habitat house in PA. Since then, a second solar thermal installation was installed on a Habitat home in Pike County.

SEEDS also offers free residential energy assessments. The organization hires local high school students to conduct a walk around of each applicant’s home, both inside and outside. The students receive training from a BPI specialist before beginning. Over 300 assessments have been completed, providing 25 students with summer job experience. People seem willing to implement projects when issues are pointed out by the students, according to the SEEDS director (students pictured, with “tools of the trade,” credit: SEEDS).

Much of SEEDS’ work focuses on educating the community. The area is conservative in nature, and as such, is not particularly open to change, according to the director. Energy efficiency projects are viewed as less ‘threatening’ than renewable installations. Saving money is the biggest motivation for completing projects, with a few individuals having interest in the

58 environmental benefits. Getting renewable energy projects visible, such those mentioned above, has helped to educate the community, but appraisers and realtors in the region do not appear to value renewable systems in the sale price of homes.

In 2009, SEEDS organized solar and small wind training to develop local installers. The organization hoped that having local installers would encourage projects that might not otherwise be developed if residents were limited to s electing unfamiliar companies from out of town. The training resulted in two installers gaining North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certifications. The businesses have kept busy and have Image: Attendees at a DYI benefited from their proximity to New York State, which solar workshop. has a number of solar related incentives that are Credit: SEEDS. encouraging development. Each year SEEDS offers a DIY two-night solar workshop for learning how to calculate the proper investment structure for projects and how to install a photovoltaic system. This has resulted in roughly a dozen residential systems being installed. When the PA Sunshine Program was active, Wayne County was noted as having the third most solar installations in the state, on a per capita basis.

SEEDS recognized the need for an investment ‘vehicle’ for clean energy projects in the community, but its non-profit status limited its capabilities. This led to the formation of a for- profit organization called the Clean Energy Co-op in 2014, which works with SEEDS (see entry above).

The organization monitors several notable external programs. A credit union program in the west could change the residential energy landscape. SEEDS also monitors the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. The Sustainable Energy Fund’s planned multi- tenant net zero building in Allentown is also notable.

Barriers to sustainable energy in Northeastern PA may include capital investment, some community opposition (as the natural gas industry is a large player in the area), environmental concerns (such as not cutting down trees for solar – most systems have been installed on rooftops as there are not a lot of large open spaces), safety concerns (as few systems have been installed—first responders do not know how to properly respond), and aesthetics (as some are opposed to covering homes with solar panels).

The most important technological advances that could happen in the next five years in the renewable energy field: - improved cost to batteries - building industry standards. “The way we build today will be drastically different than in 5 years,” according to SEEDS’ director. This can be good for SEEDS’ area, as residents would prefer to have standards changed voluntarily than by regulation.

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- Local food could also become more important, as the energy used for shipping will become a bigger consideration in consumer’s buying decisions.

Person Interviewed: Jocelyn Cramer, Executive Director

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SUMMARY

The number one barrier for developing new clean energy projects, across all types of stakeholders, came down to economics. Access to capital coupled with lengthy return on investments are the top reasons projects do not go into development. Many interviewees cited low competing electricity prices as primary factors for lengthy ROIs. Organizations commonly cited building ownership as a major reason too.

Addressing the Obstacles Below we have addressed some of the barriers and obstacles of developing renewable and energy efficiency projects in Pennsylvania and have identified potential areas for the SEF to explore more.

Access to Capital With access to upfront capital cited as a major obstacle for the majority of stakeholders, determining new methods for access is essential to the development of new clean energy projects in the Commonwealth. Below is a list of suggestions, recommended by survey participants as well as ideas generated by the Institute after assessing the obstacles.

The work being done at SEEDS is a success story in the field of renewable financing. Their ability to set up a for-profit entity to economically build renewable projects and sell the power to nonprofits at market prices, while at the same time returning dividends to their community investors is impressive. More work with this organization outlining a “road map” to setting up a financing structure would be a valuable tool for nonprofits to overcome the fiscal barriers of renewable project installations.

SEEDS also has recently experimented with another funding structure—acting like a green bank to provide funding for a renewable energy project. Their for-profit entity offered a low interest

61 loan to a farm to purchase and installed solar PV panels. The long-term loan payments are less than the farm’s annual cost for electricity, making the construction of the solar system an easy economic decision.

Revolving funds, where returns on investments in green technology are reinvested in other renewable projects, was observed and suggested by a handful of stakeholders. Providing the initial capital funding for these types of projects could be an opportunity for the SEF.

The Pennsylvania Nature Conservancy has been researching these “green” financing tools and Energy Investment Partnerships (EIPs). Their most recent report highlighted the need for such green financing mechanisms, as seen in the SEEDS example, in the Commonwealth.

Providing funds through a “green bank” mechanism could be an opportunity for Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Funds to become one of the Keystone State’s first energy investment partners.

There may be incredible value in getting many of these organizations and individuals in a room together to share funding failures and successes. We’ve highlighted two organizations that are implementing two creative new financing strategies, but the reality is that this report is just a snapshot of what's happening across the state. There are likely other organizations also performing a variety of other unique and creative funding mechanisms. A “think tank” like symposium could spur creative new financing structure ideas that have not been explored.

Access to Operations and Maintenance Support and Local Suppliers/Installers There is a clear and demonstrated need for more technical support in the field of renewables. Penn State is addressing this through new training programs dealing with high voltage energy storage systems and microgrids, but trained small wind, geothermal, solar (panel and power system) technicians are seriously lacking. One opportunity might be to fund a “Green Technician Training Center,” but attempts at these programs have not been successful and had low enrollments. We discovered multiple instances where such programs existed, but were no longer offered or at limited capacity. Government statistics have cited solar and wind technicians as the fastest growing careers in the next 10 years, yet there seems to be minimal student interest in these opportunities. There needs to be future work in education sparking more passion for renewable energy topics at a younger age and more discussions about possible careers in the clean energy fields at all levels of education. Another opportunity could be to fund the development of a strong renewable technician program as well as scholarship/full funding for 5-10 interested applicants to participate in the program. As this is somewhat of an economic development idea, possible partnerships with local SBDCs, Ben Franklin Partners, and others would be a unique approach and pilot project to solving this renewable energy workforce problem.

Low and Declining Cost of Electricity The low cost of competing electricity was cited often by stakeholders as well. Even with power purchase agreements, many organizations and nonprofits are reluctant to make any increases

62 to operational costs. Instead of SEFs funding complete renewable systems, one option would be for them to provide “gap” funding for renewable projects. For example, if a university was paying 5 cents/kWh, but a private solar installer was willing to install a solar system on campus and sell the power back to the university for 13 cents/kWh, an SEF or other foundation would match the 8 cents/kWh gap. This idea was cited by three different interviewees. Expanding such a project in a way that surrounding community members had an opportunity to buy into the project, may further decrease overall costs.

Building Ownership Many businesses and organizations cited building ownership as a major barrier for on-site renewable energy deployment or energy efficiency upgrades. Because electricity costs are often passed to the renter, there is very little incentive for the building owner to make upgrades or install a renewable system. One option is to explore more business platforms like “Solar Power Rocks,” a company that rents roof space, puts solar on it, and pays dividends to the building owner. Exploring more solutions like this would provide valuable opportunities and guidance for the millions of renters who want to go solar. Encouraging community energy projects, such as the Keystone Solar Farm or a project like the one proposed by PERC to bring many universities together into a PPA, could also be a way for organizations who may not have space available to join in on a project, even if it is not directly at their location.

Communication of Costs/Benefits There are issues communicating the costs and benefits of a renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrade project, as cited by the survey participants. For energy efficiency projects, many people are wary to perform upgrades because typical audits are completed by for-profit contractors looking to get the upgrade work. This is being addressed at Penn State, where they are developing an “energy auditor” like program for students and a similar endeavor at SEEDS where they are training students to perform energy audits for free. Saint Francis University Institute for Energy also provides low cost energy assessments without pressure to perform upgrades. Similarly, the SFU Institute for Energy’s Renewable Energy Assessment Clearing House project aimed to provide unbiased, realistic renewable energy development support for different types of stakeholders across the state. The Green Building Alliance interviewee also cited the need for a similar development platform. Funding a project that compiled important renewable energy development information into one online, easy to use, location would be a valuable investment likely to spur more renewable development across the state.

Loss of Federal Research Funds Many individuals cited loss or freeze of federal research funds. To continue growth in the renewable sector, research is essential. Offering funds to researchers over the next few years may be a critical funding opportunity, especially in the fields of battery storage and solar technology.

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Game-Changers

It's an exciting time for the field of renewable energy in Pennsylvania! As renewable energy projects continue to emerge, energy storage was identified as the biggest potential breakthrough technology. The graphic above depicts the various game-changing responses that were stated by the survey participants, in a “word art” form. In general, larger words or phrases indicate that a given game-changer was noted by a number of respondents, while smaller words and phrases may be less commonly mentioned. Some words and phases may appear more than once.

Below is a complete list of the game changing technology cited by our interviewees: Energy Storage Battery Storage Battery storage technology Battery storage breakthroughs Battery Storage/Battery charging Cheaper/longer lasting battery storage cost effective energy storage decline in battery storage costs Energy storage cost reductions Energy storage (consumer acceptance) mass production of lithium ion LTO/LTP batteries Personal use of batteries, homes, buildings w/ battery backup

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Solar Dramatic reduction in cost of solar panel installation and/or solar in parking lots and sidewalks solar technology More large scale PV projects affordable solar technology Declining price of solar PV technology PV Cost reductions Solar cars and solar roof material energy equity for solar More PV PPAs for non profits and businesses Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicle integration Electric vehicles, adoption of light and heavy duty vehicles Advances in electric vehicles electric cars interacting with the grid Smart Grid distributed control using communications for renewable energy resource planning home energy monitoring systems Wi-Fi home automation Better management of energy/building control Better use of data for building efficiency/automation Internet connection and communication of things Policy & Incentives Federal and state energy policies Future incentives/ energy policies More state incentives standardization/improvement of policy Energy Efficiency Building energy efficiency technologies Emphasis on sustainable construction, with energy a big factor LED lighting adoption Wind Offshore wind taller towers for utility wind Advance in offshore wind Wind technology Hydro Utilization of PA's hydro dams Use of PA Hydro dams

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Potential for hydro dams Fuel Cells solar oxidized fuel cells Natural Gas Changes in the natural gas markets Natural Gas prices Inverters inverter enhancements inverter technology next generation inverters Geothermal improvements to geothermal technologies in existing buildings New geothermal technologies DC Power Use of DC power infrastructure DC/inverter technology Cellulosic biofuel cost effectiveness Micro turbines Access to green financing Bottom-up pressure to go green importance of local food Distributed Generation Absorption Chillers Communication from scientists about the connection between sustainability and social issues

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CONCLUSION At the time of the founding of the Sustainable Energy Funds, in 2000, the development of renewable energy projects in the state was in its infancy. There was no AEPS, Act 129, or utility scale wind or solar farms. Since that time, great strides have been made in bringing clean energy systems to the state. Sustainability topics have gone from being niche to a common part of many businesses and organization's goals. While some of the novelty may have worn off, the installation of a solar system or wind turbine is still the talk of the town when it occurs. Only 13% of PA's electricity currently comes from renewable energy, with less than 1% coming from solar. To continue the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and to unlock economic and environmental benefits from such projects, more work needs to be done. Breakthroughs in energy storage technologies, consistent declining costs of solar pv, electrification of vehicles, and many other prospects identified in this report will offer more opportunities to bring additional renewables to the grid. Some organizations have successfully experimented with green financing mechanisms, offering a platform of new ideas of ways to make sensible investments in clean energy technology. The SEFs could play a significant role in defining and documenting these new and creative energy investment partnerships that can be replicated by other state and foundation funding organizations.

We hope this document helps guide you in your endeavor to make meaningful, new investments in clean energy projects in Pennsylvania. We welcome any further questions or follow up research to help you make those decisions.

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APPENDIX A Additional Charts

The above chart contains a list of clean energy sources deployed at the institutions of higher education surveyed for this report. For each energy source, a bar depicts the percentage of the surveyed universities deploying said source. The most commonly deployed technologies are shown towards the left, while the least deployed technologies are show towards the right. For instance, the most commonly deployed technology was energy efficiency upgrades, which was calculated to be utilized at slightly more than 80% of institutions. The second most commonly deployed technology was solar photovoltaics at around 55%. No institutions were directly using a hydro resource (although some organizations had hydro-power PPAs).

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The above chart contains a list of clean energy sources being researched at the institutions of higher education surveyed for this report. For each energy source, the percentage of universities researching said source has been calculated. The most commonly researched technologies are shown to the left, while the least deployed technologies are show to the right. For instance, the most commonly researched technology was solar, which was calculated to be researched at around half of the surveyed institutions. The second most commonly researched technology was energy storage. Research into alternative vehicles, hydro and geothermal was not as common.

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APPENDIX B Below is a full list of all stakeholders we attempted to contact for this research:

Organization Contact Title Albright College Josh Williams Maintenance and Operations Manager Allegheny College Kelly Boulton Sustainability Coordinator Assistant Professor of Environmental Allegheny College Ian Carbone Science Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator; Eco Alvernia University Alicia Sprow House Bedford County Development Association Bette Slayton President Ben Franklin Institute Innovation Works Jeff McDaniel Executive Ben Franklin Technology Partner, Central Office General Ben Franklin Technology Partner, Northwest Region Liz Wilson Ben Franklin Technology Partner, South Central Region Ross Gibson Director of Statewide Initiatives Nathaniel Professor in Physics and Engineering Bloomsburg University Greene Technology Professor in Physics and Engineering Bloomsburg University John Huckans Technology Center for Sustainability & the Bucknell University Environment Bucknell University Stephen Durfee Campus Energy Manager Capital Region Economic Development Corporation General Carnegie Mellon University Barb Kvic/ Marty Physical Plant Chatham University Mary Whitney Director of University Sustainability Clarion County Economic Shannon Development Corporation Barrios Executive Director Clarion University Shelly Shaffer No longer employed here Valentine Udoh Clarion University James Professor, Biology & Geosciences CM3 Building Solutions General CMU, Wilton Scott Institute for Energy Innovation Anna Siefken Associate Director Community College of Allegheny Director Energy Innovation Ctr & County Sylvia Elsayed Workforce Account DeSales University Sustainability

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Dickinson College Sustainability Associate VP for Sustainability & Dickinson College Ken Shultes Facilities Planning Center for Sustainability Education Dickinson College Neil Leary Director Drexel University Hugh Johnson Drexel University Nick Haas Physical Plant Drexel University, Institute for Energy and Environment Yury Gogatski Energy storage Duquesne University Mary McKinney SBDC Director Associate Academic Vice-President for Duquesne University Alan W. Seadler Research Duquesne University Jim Phillips Senior Director Sponsored Research Duquesne University Mark Johnson Director, Energy and Utilities Director, Center for Environmental Duquesne University John Stoltz Research and Education; Professor Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County General EDC of Lancaster County Lisa D. Riggs President Edinboro University of Department Chair, Joseph T. Buba Pennsylvania Richard Lloyd Department of Physics and Technology Mark Elizabethtown College Zimmerman Director of Facilities Management VP for Administration and Finance, Chair Elizabethtown College Bob Wallet of Sustainability Committee Brittany Erie County Prischak Sustainability Coordinator FirstEnergy Steve Oillette Technical Representative Director of the Center for the Sustainable Franklin & Marshall Sarah Dawson Environment Franklin & Marshall Tom Simpson Sustainability Coordinator Gannon University Erie-GAINS initiative Karinna M. Professor, Mechanical Engineering Gannon University Vernaza Associate Dean Greater Reading Economic Alliance Center Gail Landis Green Building Alliance Quinn Zeagler Program Outreach Specialist Green Building Alliance Angelica Ciranni Sustainable Energy Program Manager Hot Earth Collaborative Sharon Pillar Owner Huntingdon County Business and Industry, Inc. Robert Reitman Executive Director

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Professor & Assistant Chair, Department of Sociology; Renewable Energy Focus Indiana University of Group for Indiana County Sustainability Pennsylvania-Main Campus Susan Boser Steering Committee Jefferson County Development Council Sustainable Design (M.S.) Program Jefferson University Robert Fleming Director Jefferson University Kim Piechuta Assistant Director of Physical Plant Johnstown Redevelopment Authority General Juniata College Chuck Yohn Director of the Raystown Field Station Uma Associate Prof Environmental Science Juniata College Ramakrishnan and Studies Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Terry Anderson Director Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) Matt Elliott Executive Director King's College John McAndrew Director of Public Relations Sharon Yanik- Lackawanna College Craig Environmental Education Center Director Lafayette College George Xiques Campus Sustainability Manager Marie Fechik- Lafayette College Kirk Sustainability Director Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) Lorry Wagner President Co-Chair of the Sustainability Advisory Lebanon Valley College Mike Zeigler Committee Co-Chair of the Sustainability Advisory Lebanon Valley College Mike Schroeder Committee Lehigh University Delicia Nahman Sustainability Officer Mansfield University of Director, The Institute of Science and the Pennsylvania Lee Stocks Environment McClure Company General Mercyhurst University Sarah Bennett Sustainability Coordinator Messiah College Brandon Hoover Director of Sustainability Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy President; Program Chair of B.A. in Association Vera Cole Energy & Sustainability Policy, PSU Mount Aloysius College Gerald Rubritz Director of Facilities North Central Regional Planning & Development Commission Bob Rusiewski ARC/EDA Director Anita K. Assistant Professor and Sustainability Northampton Community College Forrester Committee Contact

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Craig M. Northampton Community College Edwards Program Manager, Electrical Technology Northampton Community College Mark Culp Director, Facilities & Public Safety Northeastern Pennsylvania Vice President, Community & Economic Alliance Kurt Bauman Development Services Division Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission General Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center General NW PA Regional Planning & Development Commission General NW PAGE (Northwest PA Green Economy Task Force) Steve Porter Co-Chair with Joy Knapp Office of Economic and Community Development, Bradford Sara Andrews Executive Director PA Biomass Energy Association Patrick Serfass Staff Executive Director Director, National Sustainable Structures Penn College Alison Diehl Center Energy Efficiency Program Manager, Penn College Jack Wilson National Sustainable Structures Center Penn State at the Navy Yard Lisa Surlock Sustainable Energy Program Manager Penn-Northwest Development Corporation General Pennsylvania Environmental Council Lindsey Baxter Program manager- Energy and Climate Pennsylvania Environmental Shippensburg Professor, PERC Pres- Resource Consortium (PERC) Ben Culberston Elect Aerospace Engineering/ Wind Energy Pennsylvania State University Susan Stewart Option Leader Jeffrey Energy and Mineral Engineering Pennsylvania State University Brownson professor Pennsylvania State University Dale Litwhiler Engineering Pennsylvania State University David Riley Professor Asst. Professor, ME and Nuclear Pennsylvania State University Hosam Fathy Engineering Assistant Professor and Research Pennsylvania State University Daniel Ciolkosz Associate Edward Educator, Energy Savings and Pennsylvania State University Johnstonbaugh Renewables Pennsylvania State University Sohail Anwar Associate Professor of Engineering Pennsylvania State University Joseph Ranalli Assistant Professor of Engineering Pennsylvania State University Mike Prinkey Energy Director, OPP

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Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, Science, Engineering, and Pennsylvania State University Javad Khazaei Technology Pennsylvania State University Walt Fullam Director, Continuing Education Pennsylvania State University Kim Berry Chief Operating Officer Pennsylvania State University Ann Quinn Director, Greener Behrend Bruce Undergraduate Coordinator of Physics, Pennsylvania State University Wittmershaus Associate Professor of Physics Pennsylvania State University Greg Dillon No longer employed here Director, Central Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Dr. Rudrabhatla Laboratory for Biofuels Pennsylvania State University, Institutes of Energy and Environment Tom Richards Director PennTAP Denise Bechdel Energy and Environment Team Lead PJM Andrew Ott President & CEO Tony L. Associate Professor of Mechanical Robert Morris University Kerzmann Engineering Maria V. Dean, School of Engineering, Robert Morris University Kalevitch Mathematics and Science Saint Francis University Rachel Wagner Assistant Professor of Engineering Saint Francis University Marius Strom Lab Instructor SAPDC Brandon Carson Director SBDC Kutztown University General SBDC Saint Francis University Barry Surma Director of SBDC

SEDA-COG Stacy Richards Program Director SEEDS Jocelyn Cramer Executive Director Shippensburg University of Management Systems, chair Pennsylvania Viet Dao Environmental Steering Committee Slippery Rock Macoskey Center Slippery Rock Sustainability Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission General Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Saint Vincent College Pete Smyntek Science Professor Earth & Environmental Susquehanna University Kathy Straub Science Susquehanna University Chris Bailey Director of Facilities Management Swarthmore College Office of Sustainability Temple University Kathleen Grady Director of Sustainability Clean Energy Co-op Jack Barnett President

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The Nature Conservancy Evan Endres Climate and Energy Policy Manager Tioga County Development Christie Corporation Blackwell Vice President/Development University of Pittsburgh Steve Svoboda Energy Management and Engineering University of Pennsylvania, Penn Andrew and Center for Energy Innovation Cherie Directors University of Pennsylvania Dan Garafalo Director of Sustainability Chris University of Pittsburgh Coughenour Energy and Earth Resources Professor University of Pittsburgh Jaclyn Krawczyk Assistant Director Facilities Management University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute Lee Ann Briggs Environmental Consultant Director of Energy Institute and Assistant Professor of Energy Science and University of Pittsburgh Matt Kropf Technology University of Pittsburgh, Energy Center Katrina Kelly Director University of Scranton Mark Murphy Director of Sustainability University of Scranton Nick Truncale Faculty Specialist Villanova University Liesel Schwarz Sustainability Manager Director, Center for Energy Policy and Washington & Jefferson College Corey Young Management Wilkes University Ned Fetcher Coordinator, Institute for the Environment Fulton Center for Sustainable Studies Wilson College Christine Mayer Director Coordinator, Electrical and Computer Engineering Program; Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer York College Kala Meah Engineering

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Image Credits

On the Cover: Row 1: - Penn State University, University Park: A solar bus shelter, gift from the Class of 2015, credit Allison Rohrs. - Clean Energy Co-op: In 2015 the organization installed a 28 kW solar electric system on the roof of the Cooperage, a non-profit community center in downtown Honesdale that is home to the non-profit organization, SEEDS. The building also features a high-efficiency pellet boiler, credit Clean Energy Co-op. - Northampton Community College, Monroe Campus: including a wind turbine and solar panels that produce 40% of the campus energy needs. Under the parking lot are 161 geothermal wells, 450 feet deep, that provide 100% of the campus heating and cooling needs, credit NCC staff. Row 2: - Carnegie Mellon University: A Solar Decathlon House researcher uses a computer to control the system, which includes energy storage. It is part of the DOE-funded SHINES solar project, credit Carnegie Mellon University. - Wilson College: Electric vehicle charging station. credit Wilson College - Franklin & Marshall College: Students using bikes to generate energy to make smoothies and play a radio, credit Franklin & Marshall College. Row 3: - Penn State University, University Park, Whisper 500 wind turbine used for research, credit Penn State University. - Dickinson College, solar installation, credit Dickinson College. - Blower door used for assessing building air tightness, credit Michael Sell. Row 4: - Saint Vincent College, The Dupré Science Pavilion is a LEED certified facility featuring a 22.2 kilowatt solar array and geothermal heating and cooling, credit Saint Vincent College. - Carnegie Mellon University, A Carnegie Mellon University student assembles a research polymer electrolyte fuel cell in Carnegie Mellon Professor Shawn Litster’s Laboratory for Transport Phenomena in Energy Systems. The device is used to evaluate new catalyst materials and electrode designs, credit Carnegie Mellon University. - Bloomsburg University - Solar Kiosk comprising automatic and manual two-axis solar trackers, power and energy displays, and an interactive touchscreen, credit Nathaniel Greene.

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