Miami University's green energy initiative has hit a significant milestone with the completion of over 3,330 solar panels this week. The new solar fields, designed to lie above the Western Geothermal well field and replace the now-gone Thomson Hall, mark the latest effort in the university's push for sustainability. According to Miami University's announcement, the solar fields were completed by the Milford-based company, Melink Solar, a leader in the clean energy industry.
Once the solar arrays are connected to the electric grid later this fall, they are anticipated to produce around 2,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually, bringing a substantial boost to campus energy needs. The project, spearheaded by electrical engineer Joel Fellman, who also serves Miami's physical facilities department as a project manager, began in earnest back in May. Speaking to the progress, Fellman shared with Miami University news release, "By later this fall — once all the equipment is in place and connected to the electric grid — the two solar arrays are expected to start producing around 2,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually."
The solar fields aren't just standalone projects either. They are part of a larger sustainably minded endeavor: the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park. Named after altruistic alumni and benefactors Sharon Janosik Mitchell '73 and Graham Mitchell '73, M.En. '76, this park is set to begin construction this fall. The university recognized them for their principal gift of $5 million, which has made the park's realization possible.
