ProVia’s new 1.792 MW solar array at its Cherry Ridge manufacturing facility is now fully online and operational. Company officials say the system, comprised of 4,480 solar panels, is among the largest privately-owned solar installations in Ohio and is projected to reduce electrical power consumption at this facility by 60% annually.

The solar panels are installed on the roof top and provide a clean and quiet source of power generation. ProVia partnered with Paradise Energy Solutions to construct the system, which the company says provides 1.792 MW of power (enough to run approximately 240 average-size residential homes) and prevents emission of 1,472 tons of CO2 annually.

ProVia’s Brian Miller (president and CEO) and Steve Ice (director of manufacturing) flip the switch to power up the new solar array.

“As we investigated this project, we determined that we could successfully balance a socially responsible choice with economic feasibility, which made solar an excellent solution,” said Larry Troyer, CFO for ProVia. “This is a long-term investment that’s good for our company and good for the environment.”

According to Sheldon Stutzman, Solar Consultant with Paradise Energy Solutions, “We’ve always had great respect forProVia, so it was an honorto partner with them on this project. ProVia continues to lead the way in manufacturing with highly-skilled people who bring innovative solutions to market. It’s very satisfying to be a part of that story.”

ProVia also has solar installations at its Baltic, Sugarcreek and Walnut Creek facilities, but Cherry Ridge is much larger, and will generate 6.5 times the production of the other three combined.