OPSB concedes construction of two solar-powered electric generating facility

The Ohio Power Siting  Board confirmed the construction of solar-powered electric generating facilities in Brown and Hardin counties. The two projects are the first of their kind reviewed by the OPSB.

In Brown County, Hillcrest Solar I, LLC, owned by Blue Planet Renewable Energy, LLC, is authorized to construct the 125 megawatt (MW) Hillcrest Solar Farm on up to 1,100 privately-owned acres in Green Township. The project consists of extensive arrays of ground-mounted photovoltaic modules, commonly referred to as solar panels, as well as associated support facilities.

In Hardin County, Hardin Solar Energy LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Invenergy Solar Development North America LLC, is authorized to construct the 150 MW Hardin Solar Center on approximately 1,115 acres of leased land in Marion, Roundhead, and McDonald townships. The project consists of ground-mounted solar panels and associated support facilities, including access roads, meteorological stations, a battery storage area, and buried electrical collection lines to connect the solar farm to a utility substation.