ELIZABETH, NJ-Tioga Energy has begun development of 3.4 megawatts of solar energy systems at various local government agencies facilities in Union County. The 44 solar electric systems will be located at a variety of county-owned sites throughout the region, including three firehouses, four libraries and schools in seven districts.

Under the terms of the solar power purchase agreements between Tioga Energy and the county agencies, Tioga will own and operate the projects, selling the electricity generated back to the county. The agreement should lower electricity costs by approximately 50% over 15 years. Groundbreaking will begin over the next several months, with all systems expected to be completed by April of 2012.

“Working with Tioga Energy offers Union County tremendous value, allowing us to decrease our energy expenses and instead allocate those resources to better serve our community,” says Charlotte DeFilippo, executive director of the Union County Improvement Authority, in a statement. “In these times of tight budgets for schools and municipal services, Union County’s forward-looking solar program helps us save money, control costs over the long-term and create jobs within the growing clean technology industry.”