The 23.4-kilowatt solar array was installed by EIS Solar through the Pennsylvania Solar Center's GET Solar program, which provides free-to-low-cost technical assistance and consulting to organizations pursuing solar energy projects.
The system is expected to generate approximately 25,538 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing WCDC's electric bill by an estimated 95 percent and saving approximately $4,543 each year, or more than $105,000 over the next 25 years.
"Building an understanding of the process of adding a solar installation was important to our organization," said Gordon Manker, WCDC's Director of Business Development. "We've spent more than a decade working with Wilkinsburg's small business community, and we want to be able to help businesses understand whether solar is right for them. Through this project we've built local expertise and strengthened partnerships with organizations like the PA Solar Center and Neighborhood Community Development Fund that are helping make Allegheny County more sustainable."
The project was made possible through a loan from Neighborhood Community Development Fund, and a donation from local resident Mahesh Sabhnani matched by his employer totaling $20,000, as well as Pennsylvania's Act 129 energy efficiency rebates and the 30% Elective Pay Clean Energy Tax Credit made available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
As a nonprofit organization, WCDC relies on grants and charitable support to fund its community programs, but opportunities to reduce operating expenses are limited.
"Finding ways to lower our operating costs allows us to invest more resources directly into our mission," Manker said. "Generating our own electricity helps protect us from rising energy costs, and with financing from Neighborhood Community Development Fund and the federal clean energy incentive, investing in solar was clearly the right decision."
“Going solar is an investment that will reap big savings for WCDC each and every year going forward,” said Leo Kowalski, Director of Transformation at the PA Solar Center. “The PA Solar Center is proud to have helped connect them with financing and a qualified solar developer for this project, as well as otherwise guide them along their solar journey. We congratulate WCDC for their leadership and foresight in going solar.”
“Soaring energy prices have placed an enormous burden on all energy consumers, especially nonprofits and municipalities operating on a fixed budget,” said Ian Smith, Director of Residential Consultations at EIS Solar. “EIS applauds Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation for having the vision and sustainable stewardship to move into the clean energy economy. We hope their energy transition will encourage other local businesses and organizations to consider making the switch to solar.”
“Neighborhood Community Development Fund strives to find innovative ways to help community organizations reduce their costs while strengthening their local investments, and WCDC’s solar project aligned with our mission perfectly,” said Mark Masterson, Executive Director of Neighborhood Community Development Fund. “We were delighted to support the development of WCDC’s solar system, and the endeavor is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we work together as a community.”
"Contributing to community initiatives like these is especially important in today's world, where climate change and environmental challenges affect us all," said Mahesh Sabhnani, software professional and a long-time resident of Pittsburgh. "I have a passion for promoting green energy projects. I believe it's one of the most effective ways we can build a more sustainable future.
“Having the opportunity to contribute to WCDC's solar array through my company's donation matching program makes the impact even greater. I encourage individuals to check with their employers to see if a donation match program might be available for them, and if so, to consider supporting solar projects like this one, which will ultimately help our whole community save money on electric bills down the road."
Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation in the United States. Organizations that invest in solar can significantly reduce operating costs while protecting themselves from future utility price increases.
WCDC's installation demonstrates how nonprofits can leverage financing, incentives, and community partnerships to make clean energy investments that strengthen both their organizations and their communities.
The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation mission is to drive economic development in Wilkinsburg with an emphasis on strengthening the Central Business District and our neighborhoods.
The WCDC envisions Wilkinsburg to be a prosperous, healthy, and inclusive community regarded for its strong business district and neighborhoods, historic charm, convenient location, desirable quality of life, and community pride.
Energy Independent Solutions is trusted by hundreds of residences, businesses, farms and municipal buildings throughout Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and beyond for Solar Power.
We are a local Pittsburgh company with a track record of high-quality solar installations, solar service and the best solar field performance rating in the industry.
The Neighborhood Community Development Fund provides financing and technical assistance to revitalize underserved communities in Allegheny County.
We invest in small businesses, affordable housing, neighborhood commercial real estate, community facilities and energy efficiency to foster economic equity, sustainable opportunities, and racial equity for all.
The Pennsylvania Solar Center is a nonprofit organization with the mission to expand the benefits of solar to all Pennsylvanians through full-spectrum solar consulting, which includes preliminary feasibility assessment, financial navigation, bid support, and communication strategy.
The Center advises non-profit organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, farms, and communities through their keystone GET Solar program, and also offers savvy media communications, resources, and programming to educate all solar stakeholders.
Related Articles This Week:
-- North Museum Of Play In Beaver Falls Flips The Switch On New Solar Energy Installation In Beaver County [PaEN]
-- Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp. Flips The Switch On New Solar Energy System To Save $4,543 A Year On Electricity Costs In Allegheny County [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Erie Times: $263 Million, 1,200 Acre Solar Energy Facility Nears Final Approval In 4 Erie County Townships
-- Scranton Times Letter: Solar Energy On Abandoned Mine Lands Solution For Soaring Energy Costs - By Robert Hughes, Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation
-- Utility Dive: President’s ‘Vindictive’ Use Of $7.6 Billion In Energy, Other Grants Sparks Backlash
[Posted: July 30, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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