Ohio Village Launches State Largest Floating Solar Array

The village of Monroeville, Ohio, has solidified its position as a leader in renewable energy by energizing a 6-MW floating solar array on a local reservoir. Developed by D3Energy, this installation ranks as the largest of its kind in Ohio and among the top five largest in the United States. By utilizing 12 acres of existing water surface, the project demonstrates an innovative approach to land use in agricultural regions. This new system, combined with a previous ground-mounted array, provides the small community with one of the highest per-capita concentrations of solar power in the state.

The project highlights a strategic shift in how municipalities can integrate renewable energy without competing for valuable farmland. While many Ohio counties have moved to restrict utility-scale solar developments following a 2021 state law, Monroeville opted to leverage its own water assets. According to D3Energy Managing Director Stetson Tchividjian, the reservoir now serves a dual purpose, providing water management while simultaneously generating clean electricity. This initiative was spearheaded by former village administrator Tom Gray, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

This installation marks D3Energy’s third floating solar project in Ohio, following successful deployments in Delaware and Lima. These collective efforts have established Ohio as the leading state in the Midwest for floating PV technology, with nearly 10 MW of capacity currently operational across state-owned water bodies. The Monroeville array was constructed in partnership with Gardner Capital, which maintains ownership of the system, and the Ohio-based contractor Appalachian Renewable Power. The village now benefits from a robust solar portfolio that includes both the new floating modules and a 4-MW ground-mounted system that has been active since 2017.