Ohio Debuts a Major Floating Solar Project
A groundbreaking 6 MW floating solar power installation has recently been commissioned in Monroeville, Ohio, situated on a local reservoir. This facility ranks as the largest floating solar array in the state and stands among the top five most powerful floating solar plants across the United States. By generating electricity from the water surface, the project preserves approximately 30 acres of fertile farmland, supporting local agriculture while feeding clean energy into the community’s distribution network.
System Details and Community Benefits
The D3Energy-developed solar array consists of three platforms covering nearly 12 acres, outfitted with over 9,000 photovoltaic panels. Since its launch, solar capacity per resident in Monroeville has surged to 13 times the Ohio state average. Notably, Monroeville has been home to a 4 MW ground-mounted solar farm since 2017, complementing the new floating installation.
This project represents a collaboration between D3Energy, Gardner Capital, and Appalachian Renewable Power. In response to legislation enacted in 2021 that restricted large-scale solar farms on Ohio’s productive farmland in roughly one-third of its counties, floating solar solutions have gained increased prominence. Together with additional floating solar projects in Delaware and Lime Townships, Ohio’s total floating solar capacity is approaching 10 MW.
“Thanks to Mayor Tom Gray’s leadership, the municipal reservoir now serves a dual purpose: providing water supply and generating electricity without using valuable land,”
Stetson Chivijian
The introduction of this floating solar plant in Monroeville highlights the growing momentum for renewable energy innovations in the U.S., especially where land use restrictions challenge the expansion of traditional solar farms. By leveraging water surfaces for energy generation, the community can protect agricultural lands while advancing sustainable energy goals. Amid global climate shifts and rising demand for clean power, such projects offer a promising blueprint for regional resilience and environmental stewardship.