Rudolph/Libbe Inc., of Walbridge, OH, is designing and building a ‘solar tracker' system for the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton. The 35-kilowatt solar energy system will use a ground-mounted dual-axis tracker application which will allow the solar panels to tilt and rotate.

Rudolph/Libbe Inc. is designing and building a ‘solar tracker' system for the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton.

The 35-kilowatt solar energy system will use a ground-mounted dual-axis tracker application which will allow the solar panels to tilt and rotate, following the sun to operate at maximum efficiency and produce the most power. The project, which is one of the first applications for this technology in Ohio, will be complete in July.

The solar tracker system will consist of 10 trackers placed near the front gate to demonstrate the Ohio Air National Guard's commitment to environmental stewardship and serve as an educational tool. Energy produced will help power the civil engineering building.

"The Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing has continuously been a leader in new technology and environmental stewardship," said Jason Slattery, Solar Team Leader at Rudolph/Libbe.

GEM Inc., of Walbridge, OH, is installing all electrical components. The poly-crystalline solar modules were manufactured by SCHOTT Solar. JDRM, of Toledo, OH, will provide electrical engineering services, and Patriot Solar Group of Albion, MI, will provide the trackers for the solar modules.

Rudolph/Libbe has designed and built several other solar array projects for the Ohio Air National Guard.

The Rudolph/Libbe Companies is among the nation's largest contractors and employs nearly 1,500 construction trades through offices in Lima, Toledo, Cleveland and Walbridge, Ohio; Plymouth, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia.