2023 Federal Energy and Water Management Award

Ron Skvir, a program specialist in the Green Environmental Management System office of Altoona VAMC, submitted the project for the award. The Small Group Project award category recognizes outstanding contributions related to energy or water cost savings at a federal facility. Local VA Healthcare Engineer Nicholas Chabon and Maintenance Supervisor Kenneth Colpetzer were named in the write-up and invited to receive the award at a ceremony in Pittsburgh on March 27th. 

Engineers at VAMC Altoona coordinated the installation of a photovoltaic or solar panel system on the top of the main facility building at 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd in Altoona. The 171 panels went active in April 2023, making up one of the largest arrays in the county. It represents an annual energy cost savings of about $6000 which is a return on investment of nearly 9% per year. Although the savings seems minimal, compared to our overall budget, it is estimated that each solar panel will last 30 years and will more than pay for themselves in their lifetime. 

The efficiency of the panels is at 18% and is estimated to help the VA reduce about 58 metric tons of greenhouse gasses per year. The goal is to generate as much sun energy as possible throughout the year, as the sun is a natural resource. This project also supports the federal initiative working toward a carbon neutral system.

The project also showcased partnership with Groundhog Solar of Altoona, which was sub-contracted to install the $120,000 system. Altoona is the first facility in VISN 4 to install an operational solar array. We are cutting the way for other facilities to consider installing solar panels. It’s also the first such system on a federal property in Blair County.

Our facility engineers are hoping to use our system to shed light on the importance of using natural ways to fuel homes and businesses in the area. Solar Energy Project lead engineer, Nicholas Chabon says “If you think putting something like this on your home or business won’t make a big impact, it will” says Chabon. “Remember, the sum of the whole is greater than the individual and anyone who is interested in solar energy should consider installing panels. Not only could it save you money, but it helps to save our planet.” 

There is also a government grant available to those who would like to install a Solar System on their home or business. There is a Federal Energy Tax Credit of up to 50% to help offset any cost of install. 

Skvir said, “It’s gratifying to see this project win an award. It’s a win for the facility and the local community. It shows Altoona VA’s commitment to energy savings and sustainability.”

For more information related to this release, please contact Rachel Prichard (rachel.prichard@VA.gov, 814-943-8164 ext. 14905).

John Harlow, Public Affairs Supervisor Specialist

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