Midwest Solar Power

We support two educational energy projects in Ohio and Kentucky: one at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Education Center and one at Twenhofel Middle School in Kenton County, Ky. These programs help teach school children about renewable energy.

Both facilities received support from Duke Energy for the installation of 20-kilowatt photovoltaic systems, which serve as a learning source for renewable energy for the students. The panels also helped the two facilities meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards based on energy efficiency, water conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Each system serves as a hands-on demonstration of solar energy at work. Using a computerized performance monitoring station, students can observe the amount of electricity as it is generated, as well as weather conditions affecting power production. The photovoltaic systems are connected to Duke Energy power lines and capable of producing about 2,000 kilowatt-hours a year.