CentraState Medical Center – Sustainable Fuel in Freehold

On Jul 6, 2020

As a 24/7 operation with medical equipment, lighting and heating/cooling systems continually running, finding cleaner, greener and more efficient ways to power CentraState Medical Center is an important goal. In September 2019, the CentraState Healthcare System completed the second phase of its Solar Energy Initiative, enabling the medical center to produce most of the power it needs to operate, and saving some $500,000 in annual energy costs through the use of sustainable, clean power.  

In 2015, the medical center installed a ground-mounted solar panel “farm” on its campus. In the $10.5-million second phase, involving some 26,000 labor hours, a system of solar carports was installed. Combined, the two solar installations generate approximately half of the medical center’s total electric needs and eliminate the need for back-up power through “peaker” generators or through the township’s electrical grid during high demand times. In fact, this solar initiative funnels any unused energy into Freehold Township’s JCP&L electrical grid to support other area businesses and homes.  

Using more than 8,000 larger and more powerful photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, the installation produces more power in less physical space, thereby maximizing the amount of power than can be produced within CentraState’s physical footprint. For the future, the medical center has room to add more carport panels. The carport parking also provides protection from the elements and improves safety through the use of LED lights and digital security cameras. 

KDS Solar, a developer, owner and operator of solar power facilities, covered the costs of equipment and installation for the project. CentraState pays KDC Solar a per-KW rate that is lower than the public utility rate. Money saved through the solar initiative is being used to replace traditional lightbulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs and upgrade the medical center’s HVAC system to a more efficient one. 

With this project, CentraState reports producing the largest amount of clean power of any hospital in New Jersey. 

ENGINEER 

Gladstone Design, Inc.
Gladstone 

BUILDER 

KDC Solar LLC
Bedminster 

FINANCE ENTITY 

North Sky Capital
Minneapolis, MN 

NOMINATOR 

The Hon. Vin Gopal,
NJ State Senator, 11th Legislative District

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