A Field of Power
Col. Mark E. Bartman, 180th Fighter Wing Commander, Ohio Air national Guard and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur walk among the rows of solar panels at the 180th Fighter Wing's Alternative Energy site on September 27, 2008. The solar field is part of the 180th FW's Renewable Energy Project, funded by the Department of Defense Research and Development Program in an effort to reduce the 180th's use of limited fossil fuel and dependence on foreign energy sources. Once completed, the solar field is expected to produce 800-900 Kilowatts of electricity, which will allow the 180th to save approximately 37.5% on the annual electricity budget. The solar field will also reduce the amount of coal burned to produce energy by almost 250 tons annually, while at the same time reducing harmful emissions and greenhouse gasses. USAF Photo by Senior Airman Jodi Joice (Released).