Maynard said solar has a lot of potential for saving money and electricity, noting the many projects the city has already developed that few residents are aware of.
The city first installed solar panels to the roof of Kenwood Elementary School, located on Kenwood Avenue, in 2000.
Kenwood Principal Gary Keller called the installation "more of a demonstration project" since the project was made possible by a grant from the Ohio Department of Development Office of Energy Efficiency, revenue from the Bowling GREEN Power program and in-kind contributions in the form of teacher training as part of the Energy Smart School Program.
Keller said when he was approached with the solar idea he was quickly onboard because of the educational value.
"We're going to have to find different sources of energy … [panels] bring it home to students in their own backyard," he said.
Though the panels don't provide anywhere near the amount of electricity Kenwood needs to operate, Keller said educational and environmental uses are two great benefits.
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Solar energy projects are starting off small but hope to yield big results in the future
Utilities Director Kevin Maynard is Bowling Green's go-to-guy for green energy ideas. "I'm the guy everybody comes to," Maynard said.While his office looks into a variety of alternative energy sources, the city is paying close attention to one up and coming renewable resource: solar power.