AEP Energy has installed a 101-kilowatt (kW) solar array on the roof of The Ohio State University’s Student Life Recreation and Physical Activities Center (RPAC).
Under this partnership, AEP Energy will fund, build, own and operate the approximately 10,000-square-foot array, made up of 367 solar panels. It will also include monitoring equipment that tracks the output of the system.
Installation is expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks.
The project will produce approximately 116,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually and will be supplied to Ohio State at a rate of $.04 per kWh throughout the next eight years. After eight years, Ohio State and AEP Energy may opt to enter into a renewal agreement or allow the agreement to terminate.
For Ohio State, the solar panel installation supports the university’s goal of energy diversification and the creation of a culture that embraces sustainability.
Kate Bartter, interim director for Ohio State’s Office of Energy and Environment, said, “AEP Energy’s investment in the solar array on the Columbus campus will help Ohio State continue to reduce its carbon footprint and, more important, will provide real and meaningful data to fuel our energy education.”