Ohio Northern University kicks off construction of new 1-megawatt solar array

GEM Energy, of the Rudolph Libbe Group in Walbridge, Ohio, is starting construction on the second phase of Ohio Northern University's solar initiative with a 1-megawatt solar array. The first phase, a 2-megawatt array, was completed in early 2017. Together, the two solar arrays will generate a total 15 percent of ONU's electricity needs.

Ada, Ohio - GEM Energy, of the Rudolph Libbe Group in Walbridge, Ohio, is starting construction on the second phase of Ohio Northern Universitys solar initiative with a 1-megawatt solar array. The first phase, a 2-megawatt array, was completed in early 2017.


Together, the two solar arrays will generate a total 15 percent of ONUs electricity needs, reducing the universitys carbon footprint by over 3,300 tons, equal to 315 average households.

Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, ONU will purchase electricity directly from both solar arrays without needing to invest capital in design, construction and maintenance.

The Phase II array will utilize SMA string inverters and will add another 3,034 solar panels to the 18,000 panels in the Phase I array. The second solar array, like the first, will include a single-axis tracker that moves panels to follow the sun, allowing maximum solar harvest. The two solar arrays will be located on adjacent ONU-owned properties southwest of campus.

GEM Energy, which also developed the Phase I array, will design, construct, operate and maintain the Phase II ground-mounted solar array. GEM Energys partner companies, Rudolph Libbe Inc. and GEM Inc., will perform site and electrical work, and install the trackers. Construction on the new array will be complete in late April 2018.

ONU will include both solar arrays in its renewable energy curriculum. The program is led by GEM Energy and includes student involvement.

"The Phase I solar array project has been a success in increasing the Universitys overall sustainability efforts, and we are glad to enhance that success by expanding the size of the solar array with this Phase II project," Ohio Northern University President Daniel A. DiBiasio said. "This effort has helped reduce energy costs and broaden the Universitys commitment to renewable energy."

"Ohio Northern is an experienced and committed champion of clean energy projects. We were honored to help the university reach its goals with the first solar array, and were pleased that Ohio Northern considers us a trusted partner on a second solar project with them," said Jason Slattery, GEM Energys director of solar.

ONUs current sustainable initiatives
• Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences and The Inn at Ohio Northern University are equipped with high-efficiency water heaters, HVAC systems and lighting; low-flow fixtures; and dual or automatic flushing toilets.
• ONU uses a fleet of hybrid and electric campus vehicles and two electric vehicle charging stations.
• An analysis has targeted 10 ONU buildings for energy efficiency improvements.
• In 2009, a geothermal heating and cooling system was installed to serve the Founders Complex and Affinity Village. In all, 30 percent of ONUs housing features geothermal, earth-friendly technology.
• Since 2010, three 220-foot-tall wind turbines have been generating 1.2 megawatts of power, meeting 8-9 percent of ONUs electricity needs.
• In 2015, ONU became a 100 percent tobacco-free campus.
• ONU has cut its landfill waste in half, and in conjunction with Allied Waste Haulers, the university is funding a recycling program at Ada Schools.
• Since 2009, ONU has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA.
• A grassy area surrounding the retention basin has been planted with native vegetation to provide a habitat for bees and eliminate the need for mowing.
• The Affinity Gardens project has transformed the green space at ONUs Affinity Village into a garden where student organizations grow organic produce for the Ada Food Pantry and the ReStore Community Center.

About GEM Energy
GEM Energy provides comprehensive services and technologies to improve customer business performance and reduce facility operation costs. GEM Energys expertise encompasses engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance. Services include combined heat and power (CHP) systems, HVAC and plumbing, facility management, utility procurement, solar development and building automation controls. Facilities served are commercial, industrial, institutional and mission critical.

GEM Energy is part of the Rudolph Libbe Group (RLG), a one-stop provider of construction services that range from site selection and financing to ongoing facility management. The full-service contractor, comprised of Rudolph Libbe Inc., GEM Inc., GEM Energy, Lehman Daman and Rudolph Libbe Properties, operates as one team. RLG is headquartered in Toledo with offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Lima, Ohio; Ithaca, New York and Plymouth, Michigan. For additional information, visit RLGBuilds.com and @RLGbuilds.

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