Tiffin University (TU) and IGS Solar will begin construction this month on the first solar project to be constructed on the rooftop of the University's Heminger Center. The solar system will drive a cleaner, emission-free energy platform, as well as mark the beginning of TU's environmental commitment. 

The solar array will consist of 705 panels constructed on 14,000 square feet of rooftop space on the Heminger Center located in the heart of campus. Sized at approximately 240kW (DC), the array will generate roughly 270,000 kWh's per year which is enough to supply approximately 26% of the annual electricity consumption for the Heminger Center. 

According to the EPA, this amount of solar power is enough to provide clean electricity for approximately 24 residential homes, offsetting an estimated 195 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year that would otherwise be emitted by a conventional fossil fuel power plant. That amount of emissions avoided is also equivalent to removing 42 cars from the road annually, or avoiding burning 213,331 pounds of coal. 

IGS Solar will own, operate, and maintain the array. The company is helping the University integrate solar generation into their energy portfolio, while helping them better control the long-term energy costs for their buildings. 

The project is estimated to begin construction in October 2018 and be online November 2018. 

"With current challenges that surround funding for non-profit universities, Tiffin University feels strongly that we need to examine all means for cost saving initiatives," said TU President Lillian Schumacher. "The University is also intentional in doing what is right for the student body, faculty, staff, and local community by putting forth clean energy standards and striving to meet them." 

"We hope that opportunities for solar in Ohio continue to grow because the economic benefits are substantial," stated Patrick Smith, Vice President of IGS Solar. "Working with Tiffin University to help control their energy costs by utilizing clean, renewable power has been a great success. We look forward to being a long-standing sustainability partner to the Tiffin University for years to come." 

IGS Solar | www.igssolarpower.com

Tiffin University |  www.tiffin.edu/institutionaldiversity