Pulling into the parking lot behind the Aberdeen Township Municipal Building, it's nearly impossible not to notice the large metal canopy that now looms over the concrete.

The structure is part of Aberdeen's sustainable enegery project and will soon hold solar panels up toward the sun. Panels will also be placed on the roof of the building and are expected to generate 40% of the building's needed energy, according to a press release from the township.

In Oct. 2011, Aberdeen finalized a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Nexus Energy Solutions of Lawrenceville for a 557,000-KWh solar installation and approved plans to install solar panels at five locations, including the township building, four pumping stations, and the Public Works Complex on Lenox Road.

At the Riverdale Drive Pump Station, the ground-mounted panels are expected to provide more than 90% of the site's electric demand, while the Noble Place Pump is expected to generate 95% of needed power, according to an Oct. 2011 release. The Greenwood Avenue Pump Station is expected to generate 100% of needed power.

A combination of rooftop and canopy panels will be installed at the Public Works Complex on Lenox Road over the recycling areas. Those panels are expected to satisfy 100% of the site's electrical usage.

The project is anticipated to generate annual savings for taxpayers by supplying approximately 70% of the electricity demand at the five sites, according to Mayor Fred Tagliarini.