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Case Studies

Mount Saint John

Mount Saint John is deeply committed to its sustainability journey. The Marianist community wanted to achieve Net Zero Energy, which means their solar array will produce 100% of the electricity needed on an annual basis. On June 9, 2023, the solar array sprang to life. The system produces more energy than MSJ needs during the day, so the electricity goes back to the grid as a credit for night time and cloudy days when grid power is needed.

Solar Solutions

Mount Saint John’s solar array is not merely a collection of panels; it’s a beacon of solar energy innovation. Encompassing 3 acres of campus landscape and boasting an impressive assembly of 1,920 locally manufactured 445 Watt panels, this energy system is a game-changer. With the capacity to generate an astonishing 1.1 million kWh of energy annually, it isn’t just fulfilling the campus’s energy needs; it’s exceeding them. The surplus electricity is thoughtfully credited back to the grid, thanks to net metering, ensuring an eco-friendly equilibrium.

Mount Saint John's ground-mounted solar array installed by Melink Solar
Mount Saint John’s ground-mounted solar array installed by Melink Solar

Result

The results achieved by Mount Saint John through the activation of their solar array are nothing short of remarkable. In a mere 13 days, this system churned out over 35,000 kWh of electricity, demonstrating its exceptional performance. This energy surplus has transformed the campus into a netzero energy consumer, marking a momentous step in environmental conservation. Mount Saint John’s commitment to sustainability and their impressive accomplishments underscore the institution’s unwavering dedication to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

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University of Dayton

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the University of Dayton in Ohio became a fair trade university and was the first Catholic university in the nation to divest from fossil fuels. This means UD is committed to renovating or building campus facilities that source power from clean energy, while providing a greener campus in which their students can engage. Solar energy plays a key role.

 

 

Solar Solutions

In 2018, Melink Solar & Geo collaborated with UD to install two arrays, totaling a combined 4,026 panels with a capacity of 1.26 megawatts of power. A ground-mounted array was installed at Curran Place, and a roof-mounted array was installed at Fitz Hall. As part of a long-term power purchase agreement, Melink engineered and constructed the arrays, selling the generated electricity to the university.

The solar arrays provide nearly 10 percent of the power consumption of both buildings, as well as power electric car stations at each location. UD has the option to purchase the arrays after eight years. Students, faculty, and researchers participated in the installation of the modules and incorporated the sustainability project into research and curriculum.

 

 

University of Dayton ground-mounted solar array installed by Melink Solar
University of Dayton’s ground-mounted array installed by Melink Solar

 

 

University of Dayton Roof Mount Solar Array by Melink Solar
University of Dayton’s roof-mounted array installed by Melink Solar

 

 

Result

This project helped to define UD as a sustainability leader in the Midwest, as well as among universities. The ground-mount installation resulted in a stunning living laboratory complete with a prairie garden — one of the first in Ohio — to attract native pollinators. The site is home to 81 species of plants that keep the ground cool for panel efficiency, increase the habitat, and create an experiential learning space for students.

 

 

University of Dayton Solar Prairie Garden by Melink Solar
The University of Dayton’s pollinator prairie garden

 

The solar arrays provide about 2 percent of the power campus-wide and offset carbon emissions by about 1 percent annually. Over their 30-year lifespan, the university estimates a $300,000 savings and prevention of 39,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide being added to the atmosphere.

 

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Rexnord Industries

3.1 MW Ground-Mounted Solar Array

System Size: 3,101,840 MW

Indianapolis, Indiana

Annual Output (AC)
4.3 million kWH

Module Technology
Crystalline Silicon

Inverters
6

Modules
12,040

Melink Solar operates a 3.1 MW ground-mounted solar array, part of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) program for an investor-owned utility in the Midwest.

The array is located on Rexnord Industries’ 13-acre brownfield site in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is connected to Indianapolis Power & Light Company’s (IPL) distribution system.

Rexnord Industries Solar Project

Overall, the array consists of 12,040 solar PV modules, and it produces approximately 4.3 million kWh per year. The system supports Rexnord’s initiative to be an environmental steward.

Construction with support from U.S. Bancorp and Union Bank & Trust began in January 2014, and the system was commissioned in April 2014.

Urbana University

521 kW Ground-Mounted Solar Array

System Size: 521.36 kW

Urbana, Ohio

Annual Output (AC)
670,000 kWH

Module Technology
Crystalline Silicon

Inverters
500 kW, 480 VAC

Modules
2,128

Urbana University wanted to reduce its operational costs, as well as its reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The solution? Melink Corporation.

Melink developed a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) array for the university. Located on the southwest edge of the campus near the football and soccer stadium, the array consists of 2,128 solar PV modules, which contribute to approximately 15% of the school’s energy needs.

Yet even more valuable than this cost savings, the array serves as a visible example of Urbana University‘s commitment to sustainability.

In addition, the university wanted a hands-on tool to demonstrate how the solar array functions. As a solution, Melink installed an interactive, educational touch-screen in the Urbana University Student Center. The display illustrates the technology and the benefits associated with the project, serving as inspiration and motivation for students, faculty, administrators, and guests to make a change in their daily energy routine. 

An interactive touch-screen device delivers solar panel facts at Urbana University.

 Project construction began in October 2012 and the system was commissioned in November 2012. The project was supported by PNC Energy Capital.

Equity Industrial Partners Corp

3.18 MW ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ARRAY

SYSTEM SIZE: 3,188,640 MW

Indianapolis, Indiana

Annual Output (AC)
4, 407,000 kWh

Module Technology
Crystalline Silicon

Inverters
6

With Equity Industrial Partners Corp, Melink Corporation operates one of the largest roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the Midwest. 

This solar project consists of a 3.18 MW roof-mounted array located on a 600,000-square-foot roof in Indianapolis, Indiana. The array is made of 12,264 solar PV modules and produces approximately 4.4 million kWh per year. 

The array is connected to Indianapolis Power & Light Company’s (IPL) distribution system, making it part of the largest solar PV program for an investor-owned utility in the Midwest.

The project was built between March-August 2014 with support from U.S. Bancorp and Union Bank & Trust. 

Melink Corporate Headquarters

Melink Corporate Headquarters

On-Site Solar Systems

Milford, Ohio

Melink Corporation is constantly researching and testing different types of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to find the best value for its customers. From 2006 through 2008, Melink installed three 10kW solar arrays on its roof. Then, between 2010 and 2011, an additional seven systems were installed on Melink’s corporate campus.

Xunlight

 

System Size: 3.1 kW

 

Flexible Thin Film System

 

Annual Output (AC)
3.1 kW

Modules
12 Xunlight 255 Watt

Inverter
1 (3 kW)

 

The Xunlight flexible thin film system is perfect for roofs with load issues, odd angles, or contours. The system does not need a racking system, therefore eliminating roof penetrations. Instead, it is applied with a special adhesive, making installation faster and less expensive than traditional panels.

 

 

Solyndra

 

System Size: 5.5 kW

 

Cylindrical Module System

 

Annual Output (AC)
6,100 kWh

Modules
32 Solyndra 173 Watt

Inverter
1 (5 kW)

 

The Solyndra system consists of small, cylindrical tubes designed to capture light from 360 degrees when installed on a white reflective roof. It has its own ballasted racking system that does not penetrate the roof membrane, making it very easy to install.

 

 

Abound Roof Mount

 

System Size: 5.2 kW

 

Rigid Thin Film System

 

Annual Output (AC)
5,800 kWh

Modules
78

Inverter
1 (5 kW)

 

Melink installed its rooftop Abound system in mid-2010. At 5.8kW, this was the first rigid thin film system Melink constructed on its corporate campus.

 

 

First Solar Roof Mount

 

System Size: 5.2 kW

 

Rigid Thin Film System

 

Annual Output (AC)
28,582 kWh

Modules
352

Inverter
2 (12 kW)

 

In early 2011, Melink installed a second rigid thin film system on its corporate headquarter’s rooftop. The system was installed to test against the other existing rooftop systems and to help the company reach its net-zero energy goal.

 

 

HQ1 Solar Canopy

 

System Size: 11.8 kW

 

Crystalline Silicon System

 

Annual Output (AC)
13,171 kWh

Modules
48

Inverter
2 (12 kW)

 

Melink’s solar canopy is similar to the company’s project at the Cincinnati Zoo. Not only does the canopy provide 12kW of power toward the campus’ energy usage, it also provides shelter for the cars parked underneath.

 

 

HQ2 Solar Canopy

 

System Size: 85 kW

 

Bifacial PV System

 

 

Modules
216

 

 

Melink’s HQ2 building features a curved solar parking lot canopy. The canopy produces electricity to support the entire HQ2 building, including approximately 40 electric vehicle charging stations.

 

 

Ingrid Pre-Engineered PV System

 

System Size: Six Total (2.1 kW)

 

Monocrystalline Silicon System

 

Annual Output (AC)
14,321 kWh

Modules
72 (180 kW)

Inverter
6 (2 kW)

 

Ingrid features a sleek, modular design that is mass-produced for low cost, convenience, and flexibility. The ground-mounted system can be installed in less than a week and offsets 10-50% of electrical usage for an average home or small business. It requires little maintenance and is easily expandable.

 

 

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

1.56 MW Solar Canopy

System Size: 1.56 MW

Cincinnati, Ohio

Annual Output (AC)
1,680,261 kWh

Module Technology
Crystalline Silicon

Inverters
2 (500 kW)
1 (250 kW)
1 (100 kW)

Modules
6,384

The Melink Solar developed a solar photovoltaic (PV) canopy for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to help the zoo reduce operational costs and its reliance on non-clean energy sources. Construction started in December 2010, and the system was commissioned in April 2011.

About the Project

Located above the zoo’s main parking lot on Vine Street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the canopy consists of nearly 6,400 solar PV modules, which contribute to approximately 20% of the zoo’s total power needs. At 1.56 megawatts, it is the largest urban, publicly accessible, educational solar PV system in the nation.

In fact, the Cincinnati Zoo’s solar canopy project reduces 1,775 tons of C02 emissions annually by replacing coal-fired power with clean solar energy. Plus, the canopy also reduces the heat-island effect the open asphalt parking lot has on the surrounding area. As “The Greenest Zoo in America,” this was exceptionally important to zoo. (Check out the zoo’s other sustainability and conservation efforts.)

As far as savings, the zoo will experience $1.3M in savings over the 30-year-life of the PV assets. This helps ensurs the Cincinnati Zoo remains a thriving part of the community, continuing to provide more than 1,600 local jobs and 3,000 reduced admissions annually to low-income children.

Community Benefits

Overall, the solar canopy project supports the revitalization plans of the Zoo’s Uptown neighborhood, contributing to the area’s aesthetics and creating opportunities for the community.

First, project planners considered how the overall structure fit with the Uptown neighborhood’s look and feel. Typically, this area of Cincinnati appeals to residents who are environmentally-aware and have an interest in renovated structures. For instance, residents usually walk or bike to work or school, as well as update older homes with greener building choices.

Thus, the zoo’s solar canopy contributes to the modernization of the Uptown area, keeping a low profile so as not to overwhelm the current structures, all while providing green energy for the zoo.




Solar Education

Working with the zoo’s education staff, Melink designed an interactive educational kiosk that overlooks the solar canopy, as well as signage throughout the park that illustrates the technology and the benefits associated with the project.

The kiosk, along with the solar canopy itself, serves as inspiration and motivation for the 1.3 million annual visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo to make a change in their daily energy routine.

 

Cedarville University

2.15 MW Ground-Mounted Solar Array

 

System Size: 2,154,040 W

 

Cedarville, Ohio

 

Annual Output (AC)
2,783,200 kWH

Module Technology
245W Crystalline Silicon

 

Inverters
4

Modules
8,792

For Cedarville University, Melink Corporation developed the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) array directly connected to an Ohio university. The solar array helps Cedarville University reduce its operational costs, as well as decrease its reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

With support from U.S. Bancorp and Union Bank & Trust, project construction began in January 2013, and the system was commissioned in April 2013.

 

Cedarville’s solar array is located on the southwest edge of its campus, adjacent to a waste water treatment facility. The array consists of 8,792 solar PV modules, which contribute approximately 10% of the school’s energy needs.

Yet most important to Cedarville is that the array is used as an educational tool. The school’s engineering students study the array,  and Melink installed an interactive touch-screen to educate all at the university.

The touch-screen device is installed in the Cedarville University Student Center to illustrate the solar project’s technology and the benefits. The interactive portal serves as inspiration and motivation for students, faculty, administrators, and guests to make a change in their daily energy routine.

An interactive touch-screen device delivers information about Cedarville University’s solar array to campus visitors.