photo credit: Ohio Department of Transportation
| Location | Toledo, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Project Sponsor / Borrower | Ohio Department of Transportation |
| Program Areas |
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| Value Capture Techniques | Solar Energy Use |
| Mode | Highway - Ancillary Systems |
| Description | In Summer 2010, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) partnered with the University of Toledo to create the state's first large-scale solar array on highway right-of-way. The research project was meant to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of installing solar arrays in right-of-way areas. The solar array occupies four acres on I-280, south of Central Avenue, north of Greenbelt Parkway, and west of Galena Street in the City of Toledo. The project, with solar panels made by Ohio solar manufacturers, generates electricity to offset the power used by the lighted pylon of the Veterans' Glass City Skyway (Toledo Skyway Bridge) that carries I-280 across the Maumee River. At the time of construction, the solar array was estimated to produce 131,000 kWh annually, leading to annual savings of approximately $15,000. For context, it cost ODOT $20,000 annually to power the bridge's pylon and highway lighting from the main span to the Greenbelt Parkway. |
| Cost | $1.5 million (plus $500,000 research cost) |
| Funding Sources | Project Cost
Research Cost
|
| Project Delivery / Contract Method | Direct Procurement and Ownership |
| Private Partner | None |
| Project Advisors / Consultants | First Solar, LLC and Xunlight Corporation - Solar panel manufacturers University of Toledo Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Departments - Project research |
| Lenders | None |
| Duration / Status | Construction began in July 2010 and was completed in December 2010 |
| Financial Status | Closed |
| Innovations |
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| Related Links / Articles | Veterans' Glass City Skyway Page |
| Contacts | Patrick McColley, PE, SI |
