The two solar fields are situated above the Western Geothermal well field and at the former site of Thomson Hall. The project, which began in May, is led by Milford-based Melink Solar.
By later this fall — once all the equipment is in place and connected to the electric grid — the two solar arrays are expected to start producing around 2,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually, according to project director Joel Fellman, electrical engineer and project manager for Miami’s physical facilities department.
The solar fields will be part of the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park, made possible by a $5 million principal gift from longtime Miami and sustainability supporters, Sharon Janosik Mitchell ’73 and Graham Mitchell ’73, M.En. ’76.
Construction of the park begins this fall and will incorporate walking paths, seating areas, lighting, a primary gateway facing State Route 73, and a secondary gateway facing Western Drive.
