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Inovateus Solar LLC, a national solar power distributor and integrator, announced its partnership with the Berrien County Youth Fair Association for the solar power portion of the proposed net-zero energy design atop the 6.1-acre Expo Arena roof in Berrien Springs, Mich. Construction is expected to begin this March.

The proposed $17 million Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair will be a showcase for the latest technology in net-zero energy green design and renewable and sustainable energy conservation, according to Fair Association officials.

Inovateus Solar began working with officials of the Expo Arena, General Contractor Fiskars Construction Services of St. Joseph, Michigan, and Genesis Engineering architectural firm on the solar roof design in late 2011. The renewable energy generated by the rooftop solar panels is proposed to produce as much as 2 megawatts of power. Once the solar system is installed, it will generate 100 percent of the Expo Arena’s energy needs – creating a net-zero solar powered facility.

The design of the Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair includes a 500-stall stable with an indoor warm-up ring, a 4,000 seat show arena, a 7,000 seat concert venue and a hospitality center with a 14,000 square foot exhibition hall. The complex will include 18 classroom/sky boxes, locker and tack rooms, and a concourse in the stable that will be 400 feet by 75 feet for offices, shops and vendors.

An independent marketing study commissioned by the Fair Board concluded that when completed, the Expo Arena would help generate $32 million annually in new revenue and create 500 jobs within a 25-mile radius of Berrien Springs, Michigan. According to the study, the Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair will draw as many as 10,000 visitors for 39 weekends each year.

The Expo Arena is designed for horse shows and rodeos, livestock shows, trade shows, boating and RV shows, conventions and assemblies, wedding receptions, proms, pet shows, house and garden shows, circuses, farm implement shows and other events. Concerts will also be held in the arena that can accommodate 7,000 when the main floor is used for seating. The 18 classrooms will provide meeting space for non-profits and teaching space for young people.