Buckeye Power has more than doubled the size of its OurSolar project with the installation of nearly 8,000 new panels in a solar array near Findlay, »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ. The community solar installation adds an additional 2.66 MW-dc of solar power generation to existing solar, hydro and baseload power generation sources that include coal and natural gas.Ìý
This is the first expansion of Buckeye Power’s OurSolar program which began with its first solar array field installation in 2016. "This project was built with the help of many hands. The Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative staff distinguished themselves with tireless effort and support," said Ben Wilson, head of the project and manager of power delivery engineering for »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Electric Cooperatives. Wilson added this new field is a result of growing interest in renewable energy sources.Ìý
While »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Electric Cooperatives remains committed to traditional sources of power, such as coal and natural gas, this new solar field is an example of the company’s continued investment and commitment to incorporate innovative ways to produce power and ensure a balanced approach toward energy production and generation. In addition to solar, other sources include wind, hydropower, and biomass fuels.
Buckeye Power is your cooperative’s wholesale power provider. The installation and operation of this new solar array field brings Buckeye’s total solar power generation capacity to 4.76 megawatts.Ìý
Many of »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ’s electric cooperatives across the state offer subscriptions to this community solar project for those members interested in plugging in to the power of the sun. Not all cooperatives offer subscriptions so please check with your local electric cooperative. The program allows cooperative members to select solar energy as their primary source of power as a less expensive and less intrusive alternative to installing rooftop solar panels on a home.