Rooftop solar project recognized for environmental innovation and impact

Phoenix Contact USA received a 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence (GAEE) from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its rooftop solar project. Phoenix Contact and other Pennsylvania companies and organizations were honored at an award ceremony in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in April.

The 961-kW solar array went live last year. The system generates about 30% of the energy needs at the company’s U.S. headquarters, located in Lower Swatara Township, Pennsylvania.

“We’re honored to receive the GAEE for the fourth time,” said Jack Nehlig, president of Phoenix Contact USA. “Sustainability and renewable power generation are at the heart of Phoenix Contact’s vision for an ‘All Electric Society.’ Our photovoltaic system is one critical step on our journey to becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2030.”

Phoenix Contact previously received the award for its solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station in 2013; a 1-MW combined cooling, heating and power system in 2014; and eight EV-charging parking stations in 2015.

GAEE recognizes projects by schools, businesses and community organizations based on their degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership, economic impact, consideration of climate change and environmental justice and the outcomes achieved.