The Maple Hill Solar project was initiated to bring diversified energy solutions to western Pennsylvania. The project interconnects 100MW of solar generation to an existing 230kV transmission line on the bulk electric system. The added solar generation will deliver up to 180,000MWh of power to PA households while offsetting more than 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

GPD designed a new 34.5kV – 230kV collector substation for the generation owner to support and connect the 500+ acre solar field to the power grid and a new 230kV ring bus switchyard for the transmission owner. Our team consulted with the generation and transmission owners to provide a custom design tailored to their standards. The site location presented unique challenges which engaged the GPD civil/site and geotechnical teams to deliver a stable and economical design to the generation and transmission owners. The GPD power team completed the physical design, protection and controls design, and studies (consisting of relay coordination, reactive power, short circuit, lightning, and ground grid analysis). In addition, the GPD transmission team provided the 230kV transmission tie-line design to the utility. Additionally, our team consulted on site access and drainage engineering solutions.

The Maple Hill Solar facility will power more than 18,000 homes, and add clean energy to the community.