February 18, 2026- UPMC is advancing its sustainability efforts with plans for a large-scale solar project at UPMC Cole in north-central Pennsylvania, positioning the rural hospital campus to run largely on renewable energy.
The health system announced it will break ground in 2026 on a 5.5-megawatt solar farm in Coudersport, the first project of its kind within UPMC. Once completed, the installation is expected to generate enough electricity to meet nearly all of the campus’s power needs, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while supporting long-term cost savings.
System leaders say the project aligns environmental stewardship with patient and community health goals. By shifting to renewable energy, UPMC aims to strengthen the local power grid, lower operating costs and reinvest savings into care delivery and services.
The solar farm will also include infrastructure upgrades—such as substation improvements and new electrical lines—that are expected to benefit the broader regional utility network without adding new demand. Construction is slated to begin with site and road work, followed by solar array installation, with the project projected to go live in early 2027.
Health system officials say the initiative underscores a broader commitment to sustainability and community investment, demonstrating how rural hospitals can adopt clean energy solutions while supporting reliable operations and healthier communities.