Among those who joined the nonprofit group for the tour were Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Jessica Shirley, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Both Adams Dunn and Shirley touted solar energy’s benefits and how it is being used to help Prince Gallitzin State Park achieve net zero energy.

Prince Gallitzin’s array is the largest of the 37 solar arrays in DCNR’s 124 state park system, Adams Dunn said.

With several solar panels covering more than seven acres of land, the array has collected 827.8 megawatts of energy since it was installed last year, Prince Gallitzin Park Manager Jessica Lavelua said.

Prince Gallitzin State Park Manager Jessica Lavelua (center) talks with Cambria Heights High School science teacher Craig Rankin and several students Monday during a tour of the park’s solar array.
Mirror photo by Matt Churella

That’s enough energy to cover three-fourths of the park’s electricity usage for a year, she said, noting the 7,000-acre park has over 400 campsites and 85 buildings that require electricity to maintain.

According to Lavelua, Prince Gallitzin’s electric costs have dropped about $90,000 because of the array. The park’s eclectic costs are now about $175,000 a year, she said.

The array is expected to have a lifespan of at least 20 years, Lavelua said, noting it will pay itself off and generate future revenue for the park.

Adams Dunn said DCNR is committed to leading by example when it comes to sustainability and clean energy.

“Projects like the Prince Gallitzin solar array demonstrate how we can save taxpayer dollars, support local clean energy jobs and protect our natural resources for future generations,” Adams Dunn said.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn discusses solar energy Monday at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Mirror photo by Matt Churella

The solar array removes 700 tons of carbon emissions from Prince Gallitzin’s atmosphere, Adams Dunn said.

The park also hosts two electric vehicle charging stations — powered by the array — near the Marina Boathouse. The charging stations are open to the public, Lavelua said.

“Prince Gallitzin is one of Pennsylvania’s outdoor gems,” said Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky, noting Prince Gallitzin is the third most visited state park in the state.

More than 1.8 million people visit the park each year, according to Chernisky.

“When we invest in renewable energy, we invest in cleaner air, healthier communities and a brighter future for everyone who loves Prince Gallitzin and our state parks,” Chernisky said. “This is a win for taxpayers and the environment.”

Shirley said, if enacted, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s “Lightning Plan” would jump start additional renewable energy projects across the commonwealth — creating jobs, lowering energy costs for consumers and fighting climate change.

In May, Pennsylvania reached the “momentous milestone” of two gigawatts of installed solar energy, Shirley said.

In the months since, an additional 160 megawatts have come online — enough energy to power about 377,000 homes, she said.

“Clean, renewable energy like solar helps reduce air pollution, fights climate change and helps meet our growing electricity needs,” Shirley said.

“Believe it or not, I’m a Republican, but I believe in green (energy),” Cambria County Commissioner Keith Rager said, adding, “Why does everything in our society have to be either or … We’re all Americans and we all live together on the same planet.”

Rager’s comments received applause from the nearly 40 people in attendance, which included a bus full of Cambria Heights High School students and other local officials.

“The sky is our future,” Rager said. “If it means reducing taxpayer money and it means less taxes on me and these young folk from (Cambria Heights), that’s what I want to do.”

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.