Denison University’s newest solar installation began producing energy in June 2026. This represents a major milestone in our longstanding partnership with the university. After our team completed a feasibility study, which laid out the technical and financial elements of the project, Denison University awarded Kokosing Solar the contract to build a 5.4 MW fixed-tilt ground-mounted array, which is now the largest solar project in the school’s portfolio, and the fifth project Kokosing Solar has delivered for them.
The system required a demanding civil scope of work. The project began with clearing a heavily wooded hillside. This required grading, developing an access road, and implementing erosion control measures. Most of this work occurred during winter, adding complexity to the project as the crews navigated frozen ground and weather delays.
To secure federal tax credit requirements, the array needed to be fully energized before a fixed deadline: June 30, 2026. Meeting this deadline required communication with the county, the local utility, and other permitting entities. Thanks to thorough planning and cross team coordination, Kokosing Solar was able to power up the site on June 29th.
The project is financed through a 25‑year power purchase agreement and site lease, and the system will be maintained by Kokosing Solar under a long term O&M agreement.
The array is made up of Ohio-made solar components. The racking is manufactured by OMCO, and the modules are produced by First Solar, both Ohio-based companies.
Denison’s existing solar installations currently supply 10–12% of the university’s electricity. With this new array, that number has been raised to nearly 40%, significantly reducing the school’s use of natural gas and purchased grid power. Denison University’s motivation for installing this array was rising electricity costs and an interest in meeting environmental goals. On the first day the system was producing, the university saw its utility consumption drop into negative territory for a period, meaning they were pushing power back to the grid instead of pulling power from it.
This project demonstrates Kokosing Solar’s ability to execute complex, fast-tracked solar energy projects while delivering dependable, high value infrastructure for our clients.
