Panda Pilesgrove Farm Project
In October of 2011, Panda Power Funds and New York ConEdison Development completed construction on a 20-MW photovoltaic (PV) solar farm located in Pilesgrove Township, NJ. The Pilesgrove project is one of the largest solar farms in the northeast United States.
Facility Facts
Location: Pilesgrove Township, New Jersey
Project Capacity: 20 MW DC / 18 MW AC
Technology: Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
Size: 134 acres, more than 77,000 solar panels
Jobs Created: Approximately 200 workers during peak construction
Partner: New York Con Edison Development
Environmental Benefits: Pollution-free energy, no greenhouse gas emissions
Commercial Operation: 2011
Facility Status: Exited the investment in 2016
About Pilesgrove Township
Pilesgrove Township in Salem County is nestled in a beautiful country setting offering spectacular views of farmland and untouched countryside. The community was named for settler Thomas Pile and borders Oldmans Township, Carney's Point Township, Mannington Township, Alloway Township and Upper Pittsgrove Township. The Borough of Woodstown lies within the boundaries of Pilesgrove Township.
The Cowtown Rodeo and the Salem County Fair Grounds are also located in Pilesgrove. The Cowtown Rodeo features an "every Saturday night" professional rodeo in the true tradition of the old west during the summer months while the fair grounds are host to the annual Delaware Valley Blue Grass Festival, the annual Salem County Fair and other events.
Pilesgrove Township is home to local wineries and vineyards, Auburn Road Vineyard and Chestnut Run Farm, a beautiful golf course and country club, Town & County Golf Links, local artists including Alex Alampi Jr, and many road side vegetable stands, pick-your-own farm markets and greenhouses including La Rosa Greenhouses, the largest grower of pole lima beans in the United States.
Local Support
"New Jersey has long been a national leader in promoting alternative energy, and this project is proof that our commitment to strong public-private cooperation is a model for success. The future of alternative energy is now. This project is about creating the sustainable partnerships that will benefit residents, the environment and the economy."
– New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney
"Residents of Pilesgrove will benefit in many ways from this exciting, new solar farm. It will deliver enough clean and emission-free energy to power thousands of households, and will bring significant environmental benefits to our area. This solar farm also represents the kind of private sector investment that boosts revenue and allows the Township to invest in services to local citizens."
– Pilesgrove Township Mayor Edward J. Kille