Get an insider’s view of McKees Solar Park, a municipal solar farm that began operating in 2014 on a former landfill and brownfield site near downtown Newark, Delaware. This 900-panel, 230-kilowatt array produces enough electricity to power up to 36 homes. It is a behind-the-meter, renewable power source that serves all residents of Newark by reducing the city’s peak power demand, lowering the wholesale cost of power, generating solar renewable energy credits, bringing locally produced green energy to the city’s electric users, and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

We will be guided on our tour of the solar park by city planner Mike Fortner and assistant city manager Jeff Martindale who will discuss the development of the solar park and additional solar facilities and renewable energy programs in Newark to meet the renewable energy goals laid out in Newark’s sustainability plan.

We will also be joined by Steve Hegedus, a solar energy researcher at the University of Delaware and solar homeowner, who will provide information on how solar panels work and the latest developments in solar energy technology.

Coffee and donuts will be provided. Bring your own travel mug! The solar park is located on an open gravel field. The program will last approximately 30-40 minutes, so if you prefer not to stand for the duration of the event, please bring your own portable seating. Parking is available along McKees Lane — see the map below.

This event is sponsored by the Delaware Sierra Club which requires that all participants at in-person events be vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required at entry. We also request that participants maintain social distancing and wear masks except when eating and drinking.

If the event is cancelled due to weather or any other reason, we will hold it as an online panel discussion via Zoom at the same time. In that case, all registrants will be notified by email of the link.