Cincinnati solar energy might not be as synonymous with being a leader in green energy as, say, San Diego solar energy but after this feat, it might now be. It was announced that the Cincinnati Zoo now holds the title for having the largest public solar array in an urban setting. The zoo installed a parking lot canopy that will provide solar energy for the park. Ohio Senator Rob Portman was scheduled on Monday to meet with the zoo's executive director to celebrate the success with a dedication ceremony.
The project's undertaking cost $11 million but according to wane.com, this will make up 20% of the park's energy that it needs and will cut down an estimated $1 to $1.5 million in electric bills over the span of 10 years. The gigantic solar canopy consists of 6,400 panels and pumps out 1.56 megawatts of energy. It also provides protective shelter from the elements for 800 the zoo and botanical garden's parking spaces , which makes up a coverage of nearly 4 acres.
This massive solar energy installation should come to no surprise, as the Cincinnati Zoo was certified as the Greenest Zoo in America in 2009 by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Along with setting a shining example for other zoos who are looking for alternative, cost-cutting energy solutions, the zoo is also trying to do its part in jump-starting the economy. They have awarded scholarships to three residents of Cincinnati for the Solar PV Installer Certificate program at the Cincinnati State Technical College. The graduates will then be presented with the opportunity to work on the operation and maintenance of the solar installation project. The zoo plans on continuing to award one scholarship per year until 2018.
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