Cedarville University has announced it is launching a large solar power installation initiative.

After finalizing financing at the end of 2012, construction is scheduled to start this month for a 2,154-kilowatt solar array on newly acquired land on the southwest edge of the campus. Power is expected to flow in April.

The energy produced would be sufficient to serve the needs of 250 homes and provide cleaner air by removing over 2,478 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year, according to a release.

“Cedarville University has been pursuing ways for the engineering department to use renewable energy as a teaching tool in the classroom,” said William E. Brown, Ph.D., president. “This is a great opportunity for our students, but also for the Southwest Ohio region.”

Cedarville University has been using solar technology in its academic curriculum for many years.

“The Village of Cedarville deeply appreciates the University’s role in making this project a true partnership that benefits the entire Cedarville community,” said Robert Fudge, the Village of Cedarville Mayor.