Solar booms in industrial US midwest as energy crisis persists
Lima, Ohio, has launched a floating solar array on Twin Lake Reservoir, connecting over 3,400 panels to power its water treatment plant. The project, led by D3Energy, aims to reduce energy costs, stabilize water rates, and showcase Midwest renewable growth amid rising utility prices.
In Lima, Ohio, a quiet reservoir that once hosted only anglers has become a hub of renewable energy. A crew of 12 engineers and construction workers has installed more than 3,400 solar panels on floating docks that spread across four acres of Twin Lake Reservoir. The electricity generated will run the city’s water treatment plant, which operates pumps around the clock, 365 days a year.
Why a Floating Solar Array?
The water treatment plant is one of Lima’s biggest energy consumers. Deputy Director Sara Weekley explained that placing the solar site directly on the reservoir makes sense because the plant’s power needs are constant and the site’s location reduces transmission losses. By generating electricity on-site, the city can lower its energy bills and keep water rates stable for residents.
Floating solar offers a smaller footprint than traditional ground‑mounted arrays. A typical megawatt of floating solar occupies about two acres of water, compared with five acres of land for a comparable ground system. This advantage is especially valuable in the Midwest, where agricultural land is a critical part of the economy and farmers are wary of large solar farms competing for farmland.
Midwest Energy Trends
Electricity has become a top commodity in the industrial Midwest. Utility rates have risen due to demand from data centers, higher fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions such as the war in Iran, which has pushed gasoline prices to five dollars per gallon in the region. Consumers and businesses alike are seeking alternatives, and floating solar projects are emerging where waterways are available.
Ohio ranks 12th in the United States for solar capacity, while neighboring states Michigan and Minnesota boast some of the highest numbers of lakes. The state’s climate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, receives more sunshine than Oregon and nearly as much as Alabama, making it a viable location for solar generation.
D3Energy’s Role
The Lima project is the work of D3Energy, a Florida‑based company that has built more floating solar arrays in the U.S. than any other firm, with over 25 projects underway nationwide. Just 90 miles northwest of Lima, D3Energy completed a floating solar project three times larger than the Lima site.
Managing Director Stetson Tchividjian highlighted the benefit of floating solar for the Midwest: “Agricultural land is essential, so we need solutions that don’t compete with food production.” He added that winter operations are smooth because water from neighboring reservoirs is pumped in to prevent ice, allowing panels to keep generating power year‑round.
Local Impact and Challenges
For Lima residents, the project is projected to save the city and its taxpayers around $10 million over its lifetime. The panels also help reduce evaporation and algae growth on the reservoir by blocking sunlight, keeping the water cooler and improving its quality.
However, not all local farmers view solar favorably. Doug Goyings, who farms 5,000 acres in Paulding County, expressed frustration with transmission and distribution fees that offset the benefits of his own solar generation. He noted that while he pays no electricity bill for generation, the utility charges him $918 in fees for feeding excess power back to the grid.
Environmental groups and some residents worry about the visual impact of large solar arrays and the potential for weather damage. A tornado in Indiana in March damaged a large solar farm east of the Mississippi, costing hundreds of millions of dollars to repair. Yet experts like Jeff Risley, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Farmers of America, argue that modern solar farms are equipped with tracking systems and stow modes to protect against severe weather.
Despite these concerns, the industry continues to grow. First Solar, located in Perrysburg, Ohio, is one of the largest solar module manufacturers in the western hemisphere and has invested $2.4 billion in a research and development facility focused on perovskite semiconductor technology, promising higher efficiency in future solar panels.
What’s Next?
The Lima floating solar project is slated for completion this summer. Once operational, it will provide a steady supply of clean energy to the water treatment plant, reduce the city’s energy costs, and demonstrate a scalable model for other Midwestern municipalities facing similar energy challenges. The project also highlights the broader shift from heavy manufacturing to renewable energy in the region, as more utilities look to diversify their energy mix in response to rising fuel prices and geopolitical uncertainties.
Why it matters
The Lima floating solar project showcases how renewable energy can reduce municipal costs, stabilize essential services, and promote sustainable development in a region traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.
Key points
- Lima’s water treatment plant will be powered by 3,400 floating solar panels.
- The project reduces energy costs and stabilizes water rates for residents.
- Floating solar offers a smaller land footprint, preserving agricultural land.
- D3Energy leads the U.S. in floating solar installations.
- Local farmers face challenges with transmission fees despite solar benefits.
Frequently asked questions
How does floating solar work on a reservoir?
Solar panels are mounted on floating docks that sit on the water’s surface, generating electricity that can be used directly by nearby facilities or fed into the grid.
What happens to the panels in winter?
Water from neighboring reservoirs is pumped in to prevent ice formation, allowing the panels to continue operating year‑round.
Are there any environmental concerns?
Potential concerns include visual impact and weather damage, but modern solar farms have protective technologies to mitigate these risks.
