Inovateus Solar to build Cincinnati Zoo solar project

Inovateus Solar has been awarded the prime EPC contract to build a 28 MW solar array on over 230 acres against the backdrop of the historic Cincinnati Zoo in Lebanon, Ohio. The project was initially developed by Melink Solar Development and Soltage, LLC and is owned by Harrison Street, one of the leading investment management firms exclusively focused on alternative real assets.

John Jackson, SVP & COO of Inovateus notes that the Cincinnati Zoo Solar project will accelerate clean energy production in Ohio and provide more than one hundred local construction jobs over a 12- to 14-month period. The project will use 52,000 VSUN 540W bifacial panels, Solectria inverters, and FTC tracking systems.

“The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has been working behind the scenes for over a decade to be able to leverage a portion of our farm property for a significant solar array. We are excited to finally see this dream come to fruition, furthering our commitment to clean, renewable energy. This project is a win for our community, our partners, and our environment,” said Mark Fisher, Vice President at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Timothy Sutherland, the Executive Chairman of Inovateus Solar commented: “The Cincinnati Zoo project, like our projects at the University of Illinois and Michigan State University, fits nicely into our strategic objective to help cities and universities transition to sustainable power. The Cincinnati Zoo touches so many young people and provides a fantastic opportunity to integrate the message of protecting animal habitats and our greater habituate for humanity.”

Carolyn Arida, Managing Director and Head of Utilities for Harrison Street, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Inovateus, whose goals are aligned with Harrison Street’s mission of supporting universities, health systems, and municipalities in their sustainability goals through our social infrastructure strategy. The Cincinnati Zoo Solar project is critical to advancing decarbonization in Ohio and bringing substantial new jobs to the region.”

Harrison Street is among the most active investors in alternative real asset sectors —including solar and clean energy infrastructure. Since 2018, Harrison Street has committed $1.2 billion in equity across investments in wind, solar and hydroelectric projects, and the firm’s renewable energy portfolio features over 1 GW of installed capacity.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/inovateus-solar-to-build-cincinnati-zoo-solar-project/]