AES’ Great Cove solar project includes the Great Cove I and II solar facilities in Fulton and Franklin Counties, Pennsylvania and is the largest operating solar project in the Commonwealth. Our commitment to responsible clean energy development aims to generate long-term value and a positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
Project overview
220 MW solar generation capacity
Enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 38,000 Pennsylvania homes annually
Franklin and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania
Project details
- In operation as of December 2023
- 1,300 acres of privately held land
- AES is the long-term owner and operator of the facility
- A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was established with the University of Pennsylvania to purchase all electricity generated by the project, supporting the University's climate leadership and sustainability goals. The project will supply 70% of the electricity demand for Penn's academic campuses and the University of Pennsylvania Health System in the Greater Philadelphia area.
- At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
400,000 MWh
Carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
$17 million
Expected to be generated in new tax revenue for Franklin and Fulton Counties over the life of the project.
Local schools will receive more than 70% of the tax revenue.
More than 200 jobs
were created during peak construction
5 long-term operations and maintenance jobs
Clean energy benefits local communities
- Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts
- Job creation during construction and operation
- Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
- Local economic stimulus during construction
- Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy
- Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
- Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
- Non-permanent development and low-impact construction that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life
Constructing Great Cove – Pile driving at Great Cove II
Constructing Great Cove – Installing solar panels at Great Cove II
Great Cove 1 in Fulton County – Solar array, CAB and LBD system tying into Power Conversion Station
Great Cove 2 in Franklin County – Solar array with views of Kittatinny Mountain
Great Cove 2 in Franklin County – Solar array and surrounding neighbors
AES Team at the University of Pennsylvania Great Cove Ribbon Cutting event during Penn Energy Week
Best practices in responsible and sustainable development
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Partnering with communities for the future of energy
At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to understand how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development that complements the local geography and unique culture, to improve lives and build stronger communities.
AES is a proud member and partner of
- Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Project updates
Penn celebrates operation and benefits of largest solar power project in Pennsylvania
Great Cove solar project video
Contact us
We want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Great Cove solar project.
Phone number: (833) 258-2647
Email: Pastakeholderrelations@aes.com