Rooftop installations of solar panels at AEP Ohio service centers in Newark and Athens are providing real-time information on the viability of using solar energy in Ohio and how its use might impact consumers and utilities. The projects are aimed at helping AEP Ohio determine the potential impact of solar on its distribution systems and customers.
In Newark, 216 Schott rooftop panels and an inverter from SMA Technologies were installed by Third Sun, based in Athens, Ohio. In Athens, 312 Sharp panels and a SatCon inverter were installed by Dovetail Solar and Wind, Glouster, Ohio. Both are 70kW installations.
Meanwhile, researchers at AEP's Dolan Technology Center, Groveport, Ohio, are comparing the performance of StarGenTM concentrated solar technology to that of traditional flat-panel installations.