IGS Solar plans to begin construction this month on a solar array to be built on an unproductive landfill site.
The 4 MW array is being built thanks to a power purchase agreement with Cleveland Public Power and the government of Cuyahoga County. The array will provide five percent of the electricity consumption for 16 county-owned commercial buildings when it is finished this summer.
The 20-year land lease will also help the city of Brooklyn offset $400,000 in maintenance costs. As the Ohio EPA does not allow for below-surface work on landfills, developers will use a ballasted solar racking system with panels and supports resting on concrete blocks.
Additionally, the project will now allow customers to choose between connecting to Cleveland Public Power’s electric grid or FirstEnergy’s grid.
IGS Solar will own, operate and maintain the array.
Cuyahoga County officials believe there is the potential to replicate this development at other closed and capped landfills in the area.
