Solar Energy Project

Ohio Wesleyan is launching Ohio higher education's most ambitious carbon reduction and onsite solar energy project to provide clean, affordable electricity to its 200-acre campus.

A State-Leading Solar Initiative

Ohio Wesleyan plans to install solar panels on campus – including roof, carport, and ground-mounted arrays – to reduce by 82% carbon emissions associated with campus electrical use. *(Rendering by GRP|WEGMAN)*

On April 25, 2025, President Matt vandenBerg announced that Ohio Wesleyan is taking a revolutionary step to become a solar powerhouse, entering into a public-private partnership with GRP|WEGMAN to provide clean, solar power to the university at the most competitive market price.

Once the project is complete, Ohio Wesleyan will achieve a leadership position among Ohio's universities in carbon reduction, delivering over 82% reduction in carbon emissions associated with electrical power consumption on campus. The project is the most ambitious carbon reduction and onsite solar energy project in Ohio's higher education history.

'A Better World'

"With this agreement, Ohio Wesleyan is doing more than creating a better university; we're leveraging the university to create a better world," vandenBerg said. "OWU will join the vanguard of American universities in onsite renewable energy production, energy stewardship, and environmental innovation – all while saving tens of millions of dollars and addressing significant planned maintenance."

This innovative collaboration will bring a state-of-the-art 6-megawatt solar photovoltaic system and a 2-megawatt energy battery storage facility to campus and address campus infrastructure. The installation will generate 8.2 million kilowatt hours of clean energy annually on campus, while also providing both backup power capabilities and energy load-shifting opportunities.

The full environmental project to launch this fall requires zero capital outlay or borrowing from the university, fits within existing operational budgets, and shields the campus from exposure to rising utility rates.

'Something Truly Extraordinary'

"The partnership between GRP|WEGMAN and Ohio Wesleyan University represents two organizations committed to excellence and innovation coming together to create something truly extraordinary," said Tim Bakker, chief operating officer at GRP|WEGMAN. "OWU is a nationwide model for how organizations can be bold, take action on sustainability, invest in infrastructure improvements without upfront capital costs, and innovate responsibly for the benefit of current and future generations."

The campus project also will serve as a living laboratory for students, providing hands-on learning opportunities in renewable energy, sustainability, engineering, and advanced technology.

A committee currently is working to identify the best sites on campus to locate the solar panels, including roof, carport, and ground-mounted arrays. The work is expected to begin before fall 2025 and take up to 18 months to complete.

Based in Bethalto, Illinois, GRP|WEGMAN is a longtime member of the National Association of Energy Service Companies Organization (NAESCO), the leading advocacy and accreditation organization in the field. Read more at grpwegman.com.