REC Success Stories

Saint Francis University established the Renewable Energy Center in 2005 as a reflection of its commitment to improving the environment and serving our communities. The Renewable Energy Center identifies the barriers to renewable energy use and sets up programs to overcome them.

Our Impact

• 2005 Green Power Award Winner
• PA's first and only state-based wind assessment program, the Community Wind Project
• Our wind analysis has led to $60+ million in proposed community wind investment in Pennsylvania
• PA's first and only Renewable Energy Directory with listings of 80+ companies
• We educate around 2,000 people, schools, municipalities, and businesses a year
• We've sponsored research by faculty from business, sociology, biology, computer science, and math
• Over 30 Saint Francis students have gotten real-life work and research experience
• We've put the idea of COMMUNITY-BASED ENERGY development on the policy table in Harrisburg

Those we've helped

Phil Jones - EMS Environmental

"St. Francis University's meteorological tower and performance data helped Blue Mountain Ski Area turn a nice idea into a defendable business proposition. Without their program, the project might still be just a nice idea."

Lynn Falatko - Freeland Municipal Authority

"Through your program we were able to identify our resources and maximize the potential for previously unutilized land."

Tony Caputo - Greater Johnstown Water Authority

"As a board member interested in the possible construction of a wind turbine, we do not have the expertise in this area to make an educated decision and we rely on the services of the REC to guide us through this process. Without the funding provided through the REC we would not be able to pursue this venture."

Thomas P. Williams, State Director, USDA Rural Development

"On behalf of the staff of Pennsylvania Rural Development, I would like to personally thank you for presenting the training "Renewable Energy" at the Pennsylvania State Meeting on September 2, 2010. I know the employees that attended your training enjoyed and appreciated the information and presentation that you shared with them - this was clear through the comments that were on the evaluation forms. Again, my staff and I thank you for providing training."

Michael Stohon, In-Shore Technologies

“I have to say that since I made the transition from big market Fortune 500 to the Southern Alleghenies, yours is by far the best presentation I have seen.”