Summary
Located in Appalachian “coal country,” the Tri-County Career Center (TCCC) in Nelsonville, Ohio, provides career education for high school students and adults. The project replaced an aging roof and incorporate solar generation on an existing campus building. TCCC selected Ameresco to implement a 185 kW DC solar PV project. As part of the project, students in TCCC’s Electrical Trades Program had the opportunity to assist in installing 343 solar panels.
“Ameresco not only managed this project smoothly from start to finish, but they also made sure that the installation process would meet the school’s mission to ‘inspire, challenge, and prepare students to reach their career potential.’ We were thrilled to see our students gain true on the-job experience with Ameresco.”
– Connie Altier
Superintendent, Tri-County Career Center
19%
Annual Energy Demand Offset
161 Metric Tons
Annual Carbon Savings
185 kW DC
Solar Capacity
~149,000 Square Feet
Facility Size
Customer Benefits
Through the collaborative efforts of Ameresco, this project is helping create a more sustainable future, easing financial strain on the community, cutting carbon emissions, and giving students valuable hands-on experience in the field. Some additional key benefits include:
- Offsets nearly 20% of annual energy demand
- Avoids the equivalent of 161 metric tons of CO2 annually
- Provided on-the-job training for students through working side by side with Ameresco to install the panels
- Reduces energy burden in a community already impacted by coal plant closures
Solution
Looking to replace an aging roof and reduce energy costs, The Tri-County Career Center (TCCC) sought a sustainable solution. TCCC chose Ameresco to develop a roof-integrated solar system using a reflective membrane and bi-facial solar panels. This project incorporates experiential learning, where students from the Electrical Trades Program worked side-by-side with the team and helped carry materials, build racking, and install panels during the three-week installation period. Additionally, Ameresco is leveraging tax credits that would potentially cover 50% of the system’s cost through Federal incentives.
- Designed and installed roof-integrated 185 kW DC solar PV system
- Supported education efforts
- Maximized tax credits by combining the roof replacement and solar projects
