The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, celebrated for its pioneering conservation efforts and commitment to sustainability, has taken another step toward its net-zero goal. In partnership with renewable energy leaders Terrasmart and Melink Solar, the zoo recently completed a 2.8-megawatt (MW) solar carport – the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the United States. With this expansion, the zoo's total solar capacity reaches 4.55 MWs, now covering two-thirds of its energy needs and marking a major milestone on its path to net-zero emissions by 2025.
Since its founding in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo has prioritized both environmental stewardship and community engagement. Now, with this new solar array addition, the zoo is making strides not just as a destination for animal conservation but as a model for urban sustainability. A unique solution to the zoo's parking lot, with nearly 5,000 bifacial solar modules powering an eco-friendly canopy over approximately 800 parking spaces. This significant system enhancement not only shades visitors' vehicles but also reduces the zoo's environmental impact by eliminating an estimated 1,775 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The energy output, leveraging the latest bifacial and string inverter technologies, is more than double what the zoo’s first solar array on its education building produced in 2006. Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities, Planning, and Sustainability, emphasized the technological advancement: “This new array occupies less physical space but will generate almost twice as much power as the previous system. With two-thirds of our electricity now coming from solar, this project symbolizes our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.”
The Cincinnati Zoo is not new to sustainable innovation. Beyond its environmental footprint reduction, the zoo has continually invested in education, species conservation, and community programs. From its early breeding programs for endangered species to the beloved story of Fiona the Hippo, the zoo has captured global attention for its commitment to animal welfare and sustainability.
In alignment with this mission, the zoo has also launched a Community Solar Resiliency Program. Through this initiative, the zoo has financed an additional 165 kilowatts of solar energy for the surrounding community, enabling smaller solar installations at schools, churches, and community centers in nearby neighborhoods. This program reflects the zoo's awareness of its impact beyond zoo gates and its dedication to combating energy poverty while promoting renewable energy across Cincinnati.
The partnership demonstrates how organizations can leverage advanced technology to achieve sustainability goals within budget and time constraints. With over 270 MWs of solar carports deployed since 2008, Terrasmart brought significant experience to the project, delivering a seamless installation that minimized disruptions for zoo employees and visitors alike. For Terrasmart's Chief Sales Officer Yury Reznikov, this project underscores the company’s broader mission: “Not only did we deliver our canopy solution on time and within budget, but we’re also excited about the meaningful impact this project will have for the zoo and its neighboring communities.”
The solar carport project also yields substantial financial benefits, with projections suggesting the zoo’s annual power bill could drop to around $300,000 by 2030, a steep reduction from $1.6 million in 2005. This significant cost savings, combined with the environmental impact, showcases the potential for urban institutions to embrace clean energy in ways that are both financially viable and ecologically responsible.