TOLEDO, Ohio (AP): A new solar array that will provide energy for the Toledo Zoo has been dedicated in northwestern Ohio.

Government and business leaders attended the dedication ceremony this week for the 2.1-megawatt array consisting of 28,000 solar panels. The array is expected to provide about 30 percent of the zoo's annual electric power supply.

The zoo's CEO and executive director says a large part of the zoo's mission is about environmental stewardship. Zoo CEO Jeff Sailer says the panels will allow the zoo to promote sustainable energy while reducing its reliance on taxpayer dollars.

 Sailer estimates savings will be in the $200,000 range.

The solar panels sit on a 22-acre brownfield site once occupied by an elevator company.