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Solar Power Array To Help Heat And Power Ohio Prison

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Ohio has unveiled a large solar project at a prison aimed at saving $245,000 in annual energy costs while training inmates to install and maintain the panels as a route to future jobs.

The 400 panels at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe will be the primary source for hot water and space heating in eight cell blocks.

The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction gave tours Wednesday at the prison, 50 miles south of Columbus.

Indianapolis-based Solar America Solutions says the project is the largest non-utility solar installation in North America. It already has offered one inmate an installation job upon his release.

Jails in Tennessee and Utah and prisons in Indiana and Wisconsin are among other correctional facilities with significant solar panel projects.