D3Energy installs floating solar arrays to power Lima water treatment plant
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 2
D3Energy installs floating solar arrays to power Lima water treatment plant
4 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 2
In Lima, Ohio, 12 workers are fitting more than 3,400 panels across four acres of Twin Lake Reservoir, with completion due this summer.
The project is expected to save the city and taxpayers about $10m over its lifetime, while helping keep water rates stable and reducing evaporation and algae growth.
It reflects wider Midwestern interest in solar as power costs rise, offering generation without using farmland, though rural opposition, grid fees and weather risks still cloud expansion.
As data centers drive up electricity demand and rates, can floating solar truly keep water bills stable for Lima residents in the long run?
How might the rapid rise of floating solar reshape the Midwest’s landscape and economy, and what risks for local ecosystems remain unaddressed?
Twin Lakes Floating Solar Array: Delivering $10 Million in Savings and 2MW Clean Energy by 2026
Overview
The Twin Lakes Floating Solar Array, set to become operational in early 2026, is a $5 million project in Lima, Ohio, powered by federal grants and tax credits. Featuring 3,444 solar panels using Hydrelio® floating technology, it generates 2 MW of clean energy to directly power the city's water treatment plant. This innovative system boosts efficiency through water cooling, reduces evaporation and algae growth, and preserves nearly 10 acres of farmland. The array is expected to save over $200,000 in energy costs in its first year and more than $10 million over 25 years, while cutting carbon emissions by 2,500 metric tons annually. These benefits highlight floating solar’s role in sustainable, cost-effective municipal energy solutions amid evolving federal policies.