Knowledge Bank

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections wanted to implement a solar field to cover the energy usage for electricity at one of their previously surveyed locations. Additionally they wanted to implement an education program for installation of solar panels so that individuals could perform maintenance and gather experience while incarcerated, and have more job prospects upon release. The capstone team worked to determine a feasible location for the solar field, complete with a net present value analysis for installation and maintenance of the field, with adjacent projected renewable market changes. The team also developed an education program for the installation of solar panels, and projected reductions in reincarceration following program participation. This proposed installation would assist the ODRC in their continued sustainability efforts, as well as their goal of reducing recidivism.