ST. HENRY — A growing number of Ohio farms and businesses are controlling their energy costs by harnessing the sun’s power to produce their own electricity. On June 9, the public is invited to a Solar Power Seminar at Romer’s in St. Henry, Ohio to learn how this is being done.

Jerry McBride, who powers his farm with solar technology in Ohio’s Hardin County, will take part in a panel of experienced users of solar power at the seminar. McBride’s solar system is, without a doubt, one of a kind – and one that might have Buckeyes breaking into spontaneous renditions of “Carmen Ohio.” McBride not only became the first farmer in his county to produce his own electricity with solar power, but he is the first anywhere to have a rooftop system designed in the shape of “OSU”.

Ecojiva Solar, the host of the seminar, will present information about how to develop and use solar power systems, illustrated with real-life examples of a variety of situations in which solar is working to reduce energy costs dramatically. The seminar will cover the components of a solar system that is tied to the electric grid and how one can “bank” electricity with the utility.

Attendees will also discover how to determine the ideal size of a solar-electric system for their own situations and how to apply numerous incentives, including tax credits and grants, to offset the cost of a system, often by 70-some percent.

Additionally, David Dwyer, who was project director for Minster, Ohio’s new utility-scale solar power system, will discuss that project. Occupying 18 acres, the 4.3-megawatt solar system is one of the largest in the state. Making it unique is its 2.8-megawatt-hour power storage component.

On-site registration for the June 9 seminar at Romer’s is at 9:30 a.m. The program will run from 10 to noon, and then lunch will be served to attendees. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by calling Bill Barga at 937-623-7961.