Decades of Building Solar Energy Solutions

1987

Melink Corporation founded by Steve Melink

Melink Corporation was founded in 1987 by Steve Melink, an engineer and entrepreneur driven by a vision of improving energy efficiency. Initially established as an HVAC testing and balancing firm, Melink quickly evolved after Steve recognized the need for more energy-efficient solutions in the ventilation industry. His invention of variable-speed control systems for kitchen hoods, Intelli-Hood, became an industry standard worldwide, laying the groundwork for the company’s focus on sustainability.

Today, Melink Corporation is a leader in energy-saving controls. With two Net-Zero Energy headquarters and an electric/hybrid vehicle fleet, the company exemplifies its commitment to sustainability. Melink works with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including Apple, Google, Walmart, and Disney, to help them achieve their energy efficiency and environmental goals.

2006

First Self-Testing of solar on HQ building

In 2006, Melink Corporation began testing various solar technologies, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and flexible solar panels, on their new LEED Gold-certified headquarters in Cincinnati. This initiative aimed to assess the viability and reliability of these technologies for sustainable building practices. The move to the new headquarters not only provided more space for the growing business but also significantly lowered the company’s carbon footprint. The dedication service, attended by the president of the US Green Building Council and the Governor of Ohio, marked a milestone in establishing Melink as a leader in sustainable building and energy solutions.

2008

Commercial Solar Business Unit Founded

Prompted by growing public interest in sustainability and renewable energy, Melink Corporation ventured into the renewable energy sector by establishing a third business unit called Renewable Solutions. The unit was created to focus on solar energy technologies, leveraging the company’s expertise in energy efficiency and green building practices. After extensive testing of various solar panel technologies at their LEED Gold headquarters, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and flexible panels, Melink recognized the potential of solar power to transform energy consumption for businesses and organizations. This led to the rebranding of Renewable Solutions to Melink Solar, positioning the company as a key player in the renewable energy industry. The new unit would continue the company’s mission to drive sustainability by offering cutting-edge solar energy solutions, helping clients reduce their environmental impact while also benefiting from long-term energy savings.

2010

Melink HQ becomes LEED Platinum certified and Net Zero Energy. 

In 2010, Melink Corporation’s headquarters achieved the prestigious status of LEED Platinum, a recognition that demonstrated the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. At the time, based on research, Melink was one of only 25 buildings in the world to achieve this level of certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings (EB) program. This remarkable achievement reflected the company’s dedication to not just talking about sustainability, but actively walking the walk. In the same year, Melink also earned an Energy Star rating of 99, a testament to the building’s outstanding energy performance. The Energy Star program, run by the Environmental Protection Agency, provides energy performance ratings that allow businesses to benchmark the efficiency of their buildings. Melink’s achievement of both LEED Platinum and Energy Star status underscored its leadership in sustainable building practices, setting a standard for other companies to follow.

2014

Melink became the owner And Operator of 
10 MW of solar

Melink Solar expanded its role in the renewable energy sector by becoming the owner and operator of multiple solar arrays, totaling up to 10 MW of solar capacity. This move not only reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability but also allowed Melink Solar to demonstrate the merits and value of solar energy firsthand. By installing solar systems throughout the Midwest, Melink Solar proved the effectiveness of solar power in reducing energy costs and advancing environmental goals. In addition to owning and operating these systems, Melink Solar acted as a developer, selling electricity to customers through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This approach allowed businesses and organizations to benefit from clean, affordable energy without the upfront costs of installing solar, further showcasing Melink Solar’s leadership in both renewable energy development and energy solutions.

2015

Melink HQ becomes LEED Platinum certified and Net Zero Energy. 

In 2010, Melink Corporation’s headquarters achieved the prestigious status of LEED Platinum, a recognition that demonstrated the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. At the time, based on research, Melink was one of only 25 buildings in the world to achieve this level of certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings (EB) program. This remarkable achievement reflected the company’s dedication to not just talking about sustainability, but actively walking the walk. In the same year, Melink also earned an Energy Star rating of 99, a testament to the building’s outstanding energy performance. The Energy Star program, run by the Environmental Protection Agency, provides energy performance ratings that allow businesses to benchmark the efficiency of their buildings. Melink’s achievement of both LEED Platinum and Energy Star status underscored its leadership in sustainable building practices, setting a standard for other companies to follow.

2019

First 15MW Utility Scale project

In 2019, Melink Solar successfully installed its first 15 MW solar array for an Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Piqua, Ohio, marking a significant milestone for the company. This project demonstrated to the market that Melink Solar was more than capable of handling large-scale solar installations, showcasing the company’s ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and at the highest level of quality. The successful completion of this array solidified Melink Solar’s reputation as a reliable and experienced partner in the renewable energy sector, capable of tackling complex, large-scale projects with precision and efficiency.

2020

Recognized as the #1 Solar EPC in Midwest

In 2020, Melink Solar was recognized as the #1 Commercial Solar EPC in the Midwest by Solar Power World, marking the company’s first national recognition. This achievement highlighted Melink Solar’s expertise and leadership in the commercial solar sector. Since then, the company has been consistently recognized as the top Commercial Solar EPC in the Midwest, further cementing its position as a trusted and leading provider of solar energy solutions in the region.

2021

Awarded Nations “Greenest Contractor”

In 2021, Melink Solar was honored with Solar Power World’s “Greenest Contractor” award, recognizing the company for its outstanding commitment to sustainability and clean energy. This prestigious award highlighted Melink Solar’s dedication to walking the talk, having achieved LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy at its headquarters. Melink Solar also showcased its environmental leadership with the installation of a solar array on its building’s rooftop and the development of a state-of-the-art, net-zero energy HQ2 building. This recognition further cemented Melink Solar’s role as a leader in the solar energy industry, with a growing reputation for inspiring more net-zero carbon facilities across the U.S.

2024

First 30+ MW project for the City of Columbus

In 2024, Melink Solar completed its largest solar array at the time, a 30+ MW installation for the City of Columbus. The array was designed to provide power to the local utility company, contributing significantly to the region’s renewable energy capacity. Melink Solar was hired by a national solar developer to carry out the project, and this collaboration marked the continuation of a successful, seven-year relationship with the developer. Throughout its history, Melink Solar has maintained a 100% success rate with repeat business from Solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Solar Developers, demonstrating the company’s reliability and reputation for delivering high-quality, large-scale solar projects on time and within budget.

2025

Awarded Solar Project of the Year

Melink Solar was honored with the Solar Power Builder’s Project of the Year award for its work on the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s second solar parking canopy. This achievement recognized the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality solar solutions and marked a significant milestone in the zoo’s sustainability journey. The project, which added 2.85 MW of solar capacity, helped the zoo move closer to its goal of becoming net-zero by 2025. Melink Solar worked closely with the zoo to bring this innovative project to life. The solar canopy not only provides renewable energy but also offers shaded parking for zoo visitors, demonstrating the zoo’s commitment to both sustainability and community engagement. This recognition celebrates Melink Solar’s expertise in handling complex, impactful projects and underscores its leadership in advancing clean energy solutions.