The State of Ohio has awarded $1.5 million worth of funding for solar electric projects in Cincinnati. The announcement came as Ohio Governor Ted Strickland awarded more than $13 million worth of grant money to 25 projects throughout the state of Ohio as part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act's (ARRA) State Energy Program.
The renewable energy awards - the first to be awarded from Ohio's $96 million
State Energy Program - will enable Ohio to stimulate the creation and retention of jobs, save energy, increase energy generation from renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to State officials.
The ARRA funds are targeted towards public and private entities that are able to use the money to install wind electric, solar electric and solar thermal technologies at businesses, schools, parks and other public locations throughout Ohio. The winning projects in Cincinnati will install solar energy projects throughout the city at public buildings, parks, and other facilities.
The
Duke Energy Convention Center, owned by the City of Cincinnati, received $252,937 to install a 93kw photovoltaic array rooftop system at the 750,000 square-foot convention center located Downtown.
Cincinnati Parks received $451,418 to install a total of 170kw solar photovoltaic systems at 13 park sites throughout the city.
The
Ohio Department of Mental Health will use $652,932 to install a 232.65kw solar photovoltaic rooftop system at its Summit Facility in Bond Hill. And Greater Cincinnati Water Works will take $775,655 and install a 280kw photovoltaic solar array rooftop system.
All of the projects awarded grant money must meet federal goals of the ARRA's State Energy Program to accelerate renewable energy development in Ohio by creating or preserving jobs and reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
Writer:
Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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