Elk Hill solar 1 and 2

Advancing SEPTA’s sustainability goals with two local Pennsylvania solar projects

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), among the largest transit agencies in the United States serving the Greater Philadelphia region, and Lightsource bp signed a long-term power contract for two solar projects in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

The projects, Elk Hill Solar 1 and 2, are helping advance energy and sustainability priorities for both SEPTA and the Commonwealth by generating enough clean and affordable solar energy annually to meet nearly 20 percent of SEPTA’s electricity demand – the equivalent of providing energy to more than 6,300 US homes each year.

Elk Hill 2 entered commercial operation in 2021, and Elk Hill 1 came online in 2022. Lightsource bp financed and built the two solar farms and will continue to own and operate them over the projects’ lives.

In addition to providing low-cost, locally generated renewable energy, Elk Hill 1 and 2 created an estimated 200 jobs during construction, hiring local subcontractors and recruiting from the local labor pool.

A long-term biodiversity and land management action plan is underway for both projects, in order to maximize local sustainability benefits through habitat creation and co-located agriculture to farm the land while also harnessing solar energy. Both Elk Hill Solar 1 and 2 will be planted with grazing and pollinator friendly seed mixes that contain native wildflowers and clover species. Lightsource bp is working with a local farmer on a plan to graze sheep to manage the vegetation under and around the solar panels. Managed grazing also works to improve soil health and foster healthy ecosystems.