The Carlisle Area (Pennsylvania) School District (CASD)'s Ground Mount Solar Array project has received a Photovoltaic Project of Distinction Award in recognition of major achievements in the U.S. solar energy market. The CASD initiative was one of three projects to receive this award, presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) at the PV America show in Philadelphia on April 4, 2011. An independent, non-partisan panel made up of industry leaders representing associations, consultants, distributors, government, integrators, manufacturers, and utilities selected the honorees from more than 150 submissions. To qualify for the awards, projects had to be operational and demonstrate a collective benefit to the community and innovative use of policy and financing to enhance the project's impact.

The CASD Ground Mount Solar Array, a one megawatt photovoltaic system completed on elementary and middle school grounds in October of 2010, had previously been recognized with a 2010 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. This Project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority. The Project was also funded by the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority using monies from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Designed and installed by Henkels & McCoy, the solar array includes 1,227 kW of Sharp's 240 W monocrystalline panels and 9.2 kW of Sharp's 115 W framed thin film panels, allowing students to compare the performance and energy savings of each technology. The system will generate about 1,500,000 kWh per year and reduce CASD's carbon footprint by nearly 2,055,000 pounds.

"The Carlisle Area School District is honored to receive this distinguished award," said CASD Director of Finance Thomas Longenecker. "We are also privileged to be recognized by the solar energy industry and the PV America Conference. The long-term success of the school district's solar project is also due to the continued willingness of Henkels & McCoy and Sharp Solar USA to be educational partners with the teachers and children of our school district. We hope that this award helps pave the way for other public school districts to venture into renewable energy technologies."

James Mulhern, Vice President Market Planning and Business Development for Henkels & McCoy, said, "Henkels & McCoy is honored to have taken part in this landmark effort and extends our best wishes to the Carlisle Area School District for the brightest of futures. We sincerely value our relationships with CASD and Sharp and the experience of working toward a common goal that this initiative represents. The benefits of this project will be far reaching and impact both present and future generations as an example of environmental stewardship and a visionary commitment to education and the community."

Eric Hafter, senior vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group, said, "Sharp congratulates both the Carlisle Area School District and Henkels & McCoy on being recognized as one of the year's most exciting solar projects by leaders in the industry. We're happy to be a part of this project which will help the Carlisle Area School District educate its students about renewable energy while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint and helping to create jobs in their community."

"Solar is not only the fastest growing industry in America, but the most exciting, and the recipients of these awards show why," said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. "Every year, we see more innovation in how builders and developers are putting solar to work for America. From schools and churches to government buildings, homes and businesses, more and more Americans are finding that solar is the most reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy choice for their community. Congratulations to all the nominees and awardees."