Ohio-based GEM Energy has started construction on a 2 MW solar array that will supply about 10% of Ohio Northern University’s (ONU) annual electricity needs.
Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, ONU will buy electricity directly from the ground-mounted array, and the system will feature 18,000 thin-film panels from First Solar and a single-axis tracker system.
GEM Energy will design, construct, operate and maintain the array. Construction will be complete late this year, and ONU will include the solar array in its renewable energy curriculum.
“This project underscores the value and importance of renewable energy to ONU, and we are pleased to add this solar array to the university’s sustainability footprint,” said ONU President Daniel DiBiasio. “Not only will the university benefit from this endeavor, but our students in particular will realize its value, especially those who are involved in co-op and similar opportunities on this site. This puts the concept of high-impact learning in action.”
“Ohio Northern University has a tremendous commitment to sustainability, and we’re pleased to take ONU to the next level with its first solar array,” said GEM Energy President Bill Alexander.
