UPMC Cole to Build Landmark Solar Farm

The hospital's new 5.5-megawatt solar project will meet nearly all of its electricity needs and set a new standard for sustainability in rural health care.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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UPMC Cole, a hospital in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, is breaking ground on a 5.5-megawatt solar farm in early 2026. This project, the first of its kind within the UPMC system, will generate enough clean energy to meet nearly all of the hospital's electricity needs, reinforcing UPMC's commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.

Why it matters

This solar farm represents a major milestone in UPMC's sustainability efforts, demonstrating that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand in the health care industry. By investing in renewable energy, UPMC Cole is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also strengthening the regional energy grid and setting an example for sustainability in rural health care.

The details

The solar farm will be built on the UPMC Cole campus and is expected to go live by early 2027. The project will include infrastructure upgrades such as substation improvements and new electrical lines, which will benefit the broader utility network. Solar energy is the most cost-effective new power source, enabling UPMC to reinvest savings into patient care while minimizing land disturbance and preserving the natural aesthetics along Route 6.

  • Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming months, starting with road and access improvements.
  • The solar farm is expected to go live by early 2027.

The players

UPMC Cole

A hospital in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, that is building a 5.5-megawatt solar farm on its campus.

Ron Reynolds

The president of UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro.

Michael Boninger, M.D.

The chief medical sustainability officer at UPMC.

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What they’re saying

“This project is more than an energy solution, it's a reflection of our values. By investing in renewable energy, we're reducing our carbon footprint, strengthening the local grid, and ensuring a healthier future for our patients, staff, and neighbors.”

— Ron Reynolds, President, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro (Mirage News)

“This solar farm represents a major milestone in UPMC's sustainability journey. Health care doesn't just happen inside hospital walls; it's about creating healthier communities and a healthier planet. By investing in renewable energy, UPMC Cole is reducing its environmental impact, lowering costs, and setting an example for sustainability in rural health care.”

— Michael Boninger, M.D., Chief Medical Sustainability Officer, UPMC (Mirage News)

What’s next

Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming months, starting with road and access improvements, followed by the installation of solar arrays and supporting infrastructure.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates UPMC's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the health care industry. By investing in a large-scale solar farm, UPMC Cole is not only reducing its environmental impact and lowering costs, but also setting an example for other rural health care providers to follow in their pursuit of a greener future.