NORTHWOOD – Pilkington North America Inc. is going solar, thanks to a new one-acre solar array project
currently under construction at the Pilkington research and development center in Northwood.
Hull & Associates Inc., a consultant in engineering, energy and environmental issues, has
partnered with Pilkington to develop and install a 250 kW ground-mounted, solar photovoltaic energy
facility on a brownfield site originating from the company’s former East Toledo float plant. This solar
energy facility will be the largest private sector, behind-the-meter renewable energy project in Ohio.

The solar panels for the project are being supplied by First Solar, which incorporates Pilkington solar
energy glass products. The Pilkington brand name has been closely associated with the development and
production of glass products since its founding in 1826. The solar energy facility will supply
approximately 12 percent of the Northwood facility’s power requirements and reduces greenhouse gas
emissions. The new solar facility is expected to be fully operational by the beginning of February.
The project is being managed by Hull Energy LLC, a newly formed renewable energy project development and
asset management company. An affiliate of Hull, Hull Energy has been established to develop, operate and
own renewable energy projects for municipal, commercial and industrial clients.
Hull is providing the private financing for the $1.5 million solar energy project, which was partially
supported by a $680,782 grant from the Ohio Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act’s State Energy Program.
With 140 employees and six offices throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, Hull’s focus is to provide
innovative, value-added services to many pressing and complex challenges in the urban revitalization,
energy, waste management and environmental markets.