Project Overview
After a public bidding process, Kokosing Solar was selected as the Design-Build and EPC Partner for the City of Lebanon Solar Project. In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved the $13.4M solar project largely due to the long-term financial benefits to its ratepayers. Lebanon is the seventh largest municipal-owned utility in Ohio. Â
Over the solar system’s lifespan, it is projected to save the City and its utility customers over $27M, will help the City diversify its sources of electricity, and will serve as an attractive showpiece for the community. The projected cost of the solar arrays will be reduced by about 30% through the federal Investment Tax Credit direct-pay program.
This project will include ground mount arrays across three city-owned properties, spanning a combined total of 41 acres of undevelopable city-owned land. Kokosing Solar broke ground in April 2024 and is expected to complete the project by the end of 2024. Kokosing Solar will self-perform the full scope of construction.Â
The project award caps a long selection process that began in January 2023. Kokosing Solar was selected as the best-value RFQ respondent to complete a project feasibility study for the City to demonstrate the technical and financial viability of the project. The study was delivered to the City’s satisfaction in late May, culminating in the successful award of the EPC contract.
Location: Lebanon, Ohio Â
System Size: 9.821 MW DC
Expected completion: 2024Â
Engineering Challenges: Building in a Floodplain
One of the more complex challenges faced during the Lebanon solar project was the need to construct the solar array within a city floodplain. With 41 acres of city-owned land available, much of which is situated in the floodplain, the project required innovative engineering solutions to ensure the long-term operational efficiency of the solar installation.
Floodplain Analysis: A Critical Step
Kokosing Solar’s engineering team conducted a thorough floodplain analysis as the first step in addressing this challenge. The goal was to determine the maximum floodplain elevation at each array location and compare that to the existing ground elevation. Understanding the difference between these two elevations allowed us to design the racking system so that installation technicians would install all solar modules above this max flood elevation. Doing so protects the financial assets while also maximizing energy production within the flood plain.
Color-Coded Racking System: Precision in Construction
Building on the floodplain analysis, the engineering team worked with the racking manufacturer to create a color-coded drawing to map the different pile heights needed across each site. This meticulous approach allowed for precise installation of the pile, ensuring that the solar array was elevated according to the flood risk at each contour location. The color coding not only streamlined the construction process but also ensured that the solar array would be above max floodplain elevation.
Innovation in Action
Kokosing Solar’s innovative approach to floodplain construction highlights the company’s commitment to delivering customized, effective solutions for complex projects. By tailoring the design and installation to the unique challenges of the Lebanon site, Kokosing Solar is ensuring that the municipal solar array will provide reliable, sustainable energy for decades to come.
