Penta Career Center, a career-technical high school in Perrysburg, Ohio is benefiting from its 2.1 MW solar array which became operational in August of 2020. GEM Energy served as the design/build contractor and conducts ongoing maintenance of the six-acre, fix-tilt ground array.

AEP OnSite Partners owns the solar array and sells power to Penta through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The project is expected to provide nearly 60% of the electricity needs for Penta and will produce 1.76 million kilowatt hours of power, equal to the energy needed to power 142 average homes. Penta estimates an electric utility bill savings of $1.76 million.

Visible from I-75, the array features 3,168 of First Solar 415 and 420 watt Series 6 solar panels that were manufactured at its facility in nearby Lake Township, Ohio.

Additionally, GEM Energy is installing electric vehicle charging stations – powered by solar – on the school’s campus.

Penta students and staff take part in remote monitoring activities and longitudinal data tracking. GEM Energy worked with Penta to create a solar training module located adjacent to the array which allows students to simulate the construction of a solar array.

 

 

 

This is a win-win for all involved. We are looking forward to the many project-based learning opportunities that the solar array will provide for our students.

Edward Ewers, Superintendent
Penta Career Center