photo by: Photo by Shelley Hanson

Deer forage at Oglebay Park. (File Photo)

WHEELING – Oglebay Park plans to start getting a portion of its electric power from solar energy.

The park is collaborating with solar energy developer IMC Solar of St. Clairsville for the project.

For Oglebay, there will be no cost to purchase, install or maintain the panels, as IMC has funders who will cover those costs. In return, the park will purchase its electric power from the funders of the project via a power purchase agreement, said Beth Whitehouse, senior director of Strategic Planning at Oglebay.

Using solar energy is expected to help the park reduce its carbon footprint and save it money. Whitehouse said the rates for solar will be less than a traditional electric company, but just exactly how much money will be saved is not known yet.

“We won’t know that until the bids are in from the EPC’s (Engineering Procurement and Construction/builder) and then from the funders but our target is at least 10%,” she said.

“IMC will seek out funders who are interested in a project like ours. We will not know the actual funder until the final selection is made by IMC and Oglebay.”

Installation of the panels are not expected to impact views of the park.

“Each solar array has been vetted by both Oglebay and IMC Solar teams so that the beauty of Oglebay will not be compromised,” Whitehouse said. “Several locations that could produce significant solar power were not included as they would impact the beauty of Oglebay.”

The solar panels, or arrays, will be about 3 feet wide and about 6.5 feet long and weigh less than 50 pounds. How many will be used still must be determined.

“We won’t know the number until all the bids come back from the EPCs,” she added.

Wheeling Park Commission CEO & President Bob Peckenpaugh is looking forward to the project, which is anticipated to begin in late 2023.

“We are delighted to join forces with IMC Solar, LLC to bring solar power to Oglebay,” Peckenpaugh said. “This initiative is a testament to Oglebay’s commitment to environmental stewardship and creating a more sustainable future.”

IMC Solar CEO Rick Frio said he sees the collaboration between IMC and Oglebay as a strong one.

“Our partnership with Oglebay underscores our commitment to providing clean, renewable energy solutions while preserving the natural beauty and guest experience that the park is known for,” Frio said. “Together, we will create a sustainable, green energy model that future parks can emulate.”

Jen Hull, vice president of IMC Solar’s Project Management, said the company’s team grew up visiting the park, attending camps there, golfing, skiing, swimming, and visiting the zoo.

“To create value for a place we love so dearly, is very special to us,” Hull said.

Owl Energy Partners also is partnering in the project.

“Owl Energy Partners is thrilled to provide production and financial modeling analytics for our Strategic Partner IMC Solar on this exciting project,” said Karen Wise, Managing Partner Owl Energy Partners.

Whitehouse added that Oglebay is proud to be a leader in including renewables in their energy portfolio.

“Oglebay is thrilled to be working with a national solar developer that started here in the Wheeling area and one who intimately understands Oglebay and accepts the responsibility of adding value to Oglebay without compromising its beauty,” she said.