Powering Campus Life with On-Site Renewable Energy
A 2.013 MW DC ground-mounted solar field spanning approximately 8 acres on Westtown School's historic 600-acre campus in Westtown, Pennsylvania. The system is expected to offset roughly 90% of the school's electricity usage, delivering long-term energy cost certainty and measurable environmental benefits through a power purchase agreement.
Background
Westtown School is a pre-K through 12 Quaker independent school with a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, operating on a 600-acre campus in Westtown, Pennsylvania. To advance its sustainability goals and reduce its dependence on grid-supplied electricity, the school partnered with BioStar Renewables to develop a ground-mounted solar installation that would serve a substantial portion of the campus's energy needs.
The project was developed under newly adopted township regulations limiting solar fields to 10 acres, requiring careful site planning and close coordination with local officials. Design considerations included visibility, glare mitigation, and stormwater management — with engineered infiltration basins integrated into the site to meet local standards. The system delivers its output under a long-term power purchase agreement, providing the school with predictable energy costs while supporting its broader sustainability commitments.
Client: Westtown School
Location: Westtown, PA
Technology: Solar PV
Year: 2025
Navigating Complex Site Requirements
The Westtown project required a deliberate and collaborative development process. Newly adopted township regulations capped solar installations at 10 acres, making precise site planning essential to maximize system capacity within permitted limits. BioStar worked closely with local officials throughout the entitlement process to ensure the project met all regulatory requirements while delivering the energy output Westtown School needed.
The site design addressed practical community concerns including visual impact, glare mitigation for neighboring properties, and stormwater management. Engineered infiltration basins were incorporated into the design to manage runoff in compliance with local standards while integrating seamlessly with the campus's existing site infrastructure.
The system employs single-axis tracker technology and 550W bifacial panels — a combination that maximizes energy production by following the sun's path throughout the day and capturing light on both panel surfaces.
Highlights
- System Capacity: 2.013 MW DC / 1.5 MW AC
- Annual Generation: 3,000,000+ kWh of clean electricity per year
- Grid Offset: Approximately 90% of Westtown School's annual electricity usage
- Panel Technology: 550W bifacial panels with single-axis tracker technology
- Delivery Structure: Long-term power purchase agreement (PPA)
- Project Type: Ground-mounted institutional solar
- Site Area: Approximately 8 acres on a 600-acre campus
- BioStar Role: Developer
BioStar's EPC Approach
Emissions Reduction Impact
BioStar Renewables provided turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services, giving Westtown School a single, accountable partner throughout the entire project lifecycle. Our in-house expertise spans:
- Development & Feasibility: Site assessment, energy modeling, interconnection strategy, and financial structuring
- Engineering: System design, electrical engineering, structural analysis, and permitting
- Procurement: Sourcing and logistics for panels, inverters, racking, and balance-of-system components
- Construction: Full project management, civil work, electrical installation, and commissioning
0
homes powered for anentire year
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gas-powered cars removed from the road per year
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tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled per yearAbout BioStar Renewables
BioStar Renewables is a leading developer and EPC contractor specializing in commercial and industrial solar projects across the United States. With deep expertise in behind-the-meter solar for complex industrial clients, BioStar delivers projects that create lasting value — reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting clients' long-term sustainability strategies. Learn more about BioStar.
About Westtown School
Founded in 1799 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Westtown School is a co-educational, pre-K through 12 independent boarding and day school located on a 600-acre campus in Westtown, Pennsylvania. The school's Quaker values emphasize care for the environment and responsible stewardship of the natural world. Westtown has a long history of sustainability initiatives, and the solar project represents a significant advancement in the school's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while modeling responsible energy use for its students. Learn more about Westtown School.
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