Cincinnati Zoo Going Solar

The Cincinnati Zoo has begun installing a solar power array that it hopes will provide about a fifth of the park's energy needs by April.

The zoo says it will be the country's largest urban solar array that is accessible to the public.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that workers began installing the first of 6,400 panels on metal canopy structures Wednesday.

Melink Corp. of nearby Clermont County is the developer and designer of the project and will own and operate the 1.56-megawatt system, which costs about $11 million.

An interactive kiosk will explain to zoo visitors how the array works and how much energy is being produced.

SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/20/AR2011012001312.html