Solar Panels at the Cincinnati Zoo

Solar panels will be the latest attraction at the Cincinnati Zoo

A new attraction is coming to the Cincinnati Zoo in April 2011. No, its not a unique endangered species, nor is it a fun new playground for the kids. Solar panels at the Cincinnati Zoo are being installed right now, which will generate enough clean solar electricity to meet about 1/5th of the park’s energy demands.

The installation will be the largest urban solar array accessible to the public in the United States. Which, in my mind, is just perfect for a zoo! After all, people come to learn about animals and the environment. What better place to showcase the power of the sun to help us reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels than in an animal kingdom? When the new solar array is operational, visitors will be able to use an interactive kiosk to learn how the solar panels work and how much energy is being produced.

The solar panels at the Cincinnati Zoo are being designed, installed and operated by Melink Corporation pursuant to a solar power purchase agreement. The 1.56 megawatt system will include 6,400 solar panels and is projected to cost $11 million.

Check it out on this great video: