Denison University gets 2-MW solar array from Third Sun Solar

Third Sun Solar and OnSite Partners are bringing more than 2 MW of solar capacity to the Denison University in Ohio.

Geoff Greenfield, co-founder of Third Sun Solar, said the Athens, Ohio-based solar energy provider will install the tracking array near the Biological Reserve on the Denison campus in Granville. The majority of the construction will be completed in the next few months, with the system fully operational before the end 2017. When completed, the solar energy produced will offset approximately 15% of Denison University’s electrical energy consumption.

“This project at a university like Denison not only allows for a reduction in the university’s carbon footprint, but also educate students on alternative energy and just how viable it has become in 2017,” Greenfield said. “As tomorrow’s leaders experience solar energy in use today, they will take this knowledge with them out into the world, helping to accelerate the deployment of solar elsewhere.”

Greenfield said Third Sun Solar and Denison successfully built a smaller solar project in the past. This latest and larger solar project is structured differently. Instead of using the University’s capital to build the project, the University will host the power plant and purchase the energy it produces over time

Greenfield said that the Denison array would be Third Sun Solar’s largest installed tracking project to date.

“We have a lengthy and successful history with Third Sun Solar,” said Jeremy King, Sustainability Coordinator at Denison University. “Having Third Sun Solar and OnSite Partners involved a project of this size will help with scholarly work and create hands on, real world opportunities for students in various disciplines. They are great organizations from which to learn.”

It is also the first time Third Sun Solar has worked with OnSite Partners. OnSite Partners will own and maintain the solar panels and be responsible for managing the electrical output of the system.

“The solar installation at Denison University demonstrates the innovative ways that OnSite Partners can work with universities and other businesses to add clean, distributed energy to their resource mix,” said Joel Jansen, chief operating officer for Onsite Partners.

News item from Third Sun Solar

View Original Content: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/11/denison-university-gets-2-mw-solar-array-third-sun-solar/