Ohio Grid Bolstered by 117 MW in Newly Installed First Solar Modules

Renewable energy developer Geronimo Power has brought its Dodson Creek Solar project into commercial operations generating into the Ohio grid.

The 117-MW solar farm is now generating electricity from Highland County and is connected into the PJM Interconnection market. Kiewit Power Constructors was the engineering, procurement and construction contractor on the project for Geronimo Power.

"With Dodson Creek, our total Ohio operating portfolio has reached 675 MW - that equates to over $240 million in economic benefit to local and state residents throughout our portfolio's operating life,” Geronimo Power COO Andy Cukurs said in a statement.

Dodson Creek utilizes Series 7 modules developed and produced by First Solar, which operates a manufacturing and R&D hub in nearby Perrysburg, Ohio.

Dodson Creek is anticipated to produce approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and local townships, school districts and emergency (fire/EMS/mental health) districts over the first 20 years of operation. Geronimo has also planned to contribute $585,000 to Highland County charities and organizations through a charitable fund.

Total installed solar energy capacity is approaching 200 GW in the U.S., according to various reports. Last year, the solar industry installed 43 GW of new capacity–which was more than any other resource added to the grid, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.