The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden has taken a giant leap forward in its commitment to sustainability with the completion of a new 2.8 megawatt (MW) solar carport. This impressive project, a collaboration between Terrasmart and Melink Solar, now stands as the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the United States.
The solar carport, a sleek canopy covering a vast parking area, will provide shade for approximately 800 vehicles. But its true power lies in its ability to generate clean energy. This innovative addition brings the zoo’s total on-site solar capacity to 4.55 MW, enough to meet two-thirds of its power needs and significantly contribute to its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2025.
“Executing this project for the Cincinnati Zoo aligns deeply with our mission to build sustainability for our clients,” says Melink Solar CEO Seth Parker. “We are honored to support the zoo’s commitment to environmental stewardship and proud to have collaborated with all of our partners on this project.”
The system itself is a marvel of engineering. Nearly 5,000 bifacial modules, capable of capturing sunlight from both sides, are connected via string inverter technology, maximizing energy production. This innovative design ensures the solar carport will eliminate a staggering 1,775 tons of CO2 emissions annually, making a tangible impact on the environment.
The zoo’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own operations. Recognizing the need to address energy poverty in the surrounding community, the zoo has also financed an additional 165 kilowatts of solar panels through its Community Solar Resiliency Program. These panels will be installed at local churches, community centers, and schools, providing clean energy access to those in need.
This project represents a significant milestone in the zoo’s journey toward a sustainable future. “Solar technology, and our understanding of how to use it, has evolved dramatically since we erected our first solar array in 2006 on the Zoo’s education building,” states Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities, Planning, and Sustainability for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. “This new array is a good example of that. It occupies less physical space but will generate almost twice as much power as the current array. Now online, two-thirds of the Zoo’s electrical needs will come from our parking lots.”
Terrasmart, a leading provider of solar racking technologies, played a crucial role in bringing this project to life. Their expertise in manufacturing and installation ensured the project was completed on time and within budget, with minimal disruption to the zoo’s daily operations. “Completing this milestone project for the Cincinnati Zoo is a significant achievement for all of us at Terrasmart,” said Terrasmart Chief Sales Officer Yury Reznikov. “Not only did we deliver our canopy solution on time and within budget, we are also excited about the meaningful impact this project will have for the zoo and its neighboring communities.”
This groundbreaking project showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable solutions. It serves as a shining example for other organizations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
