Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and the Ohio Development Services Agency’s Office of Energy partnered to create a database.
The purpose of the project is to have open communication between the solar industry and different manufacturers, according to Chad Smith, deputy chief of the Agency’s Office of Redevelopment, in a news release.
"This database allows companies in the solar industry supply chain to identify Ohio manufacturers that can meet their manufacturing needs as the industry grows,” Smith said. “Working with the Voinovich School, we will have a better understanding of Ohio’s role in the solar industry and areas for growth, which will play a part in our economic development strategy.”
On an interactive map, companies that are using solar power will be geocoded.
OU has the resources to help the state in creating a stronger presence in the solar industry, said Scott Miller, Voinovich School director of energy and environmental programs.
“The Voinovich School is proud to apply our technical capabilities to build this important online tool for the State of Ohio to expand its already strong presence in the solar industry,” Miller said. “Combined with other supply chain analyses, Ohio University is helping the state develop a thorough understanding of its competitive advantages in the energy manufacturing space.”
For additional resources, the online database will also have discussion forums, case studies of successful Ohio companies with solar power and document sharing capabilities among businesses.
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