The boundaries for two massive solar energy districts were unanimously approved by the Warren County Commission on Dec. 22, putting the projects one step closer to reality. But some significant steps remain before companies are approved to begin operations and construction.

The solar districts are both located in northern Warren County. One, operated by developer Invenergy under the name Split Rail Solar Energy, contains over 4,400 acres in the area of Highway A and Highway W. The other, operated by developer Ranger Power under the name Blue Bird Solar, contains almost 1,800  acres near the Lincoln County border along Highway 47.

Nearly 50 property owners have signed leases to allow construction of solar panels and electrical equipment on their land, while numerous surrounding landowners have voiced opposition to the projects.

County commissioners said rules put in place for the solar farms will mitigate potential nuisances. Presiding Commissioner Joe Gildehaus said the decision wasn’t taken lightly, and included discussions with their counterparts in other states who have dealt with solar farm developments. He said the county did substantial research on how to prevent issues with the developments.

“Our (requirements and regulations) are some of the most detailed for solar farms,” Gildehaus said. “Without a doubt, we did our homework.”

Gildehaus said a top consideration is “allowing property owners to use their property as they might desire, without unduly burdening the rights of adjoining property owners.”

One of the loudest concerns from surrounding property owners is whether the solar farms will impact neighboring property values. Gildehaus said the applicants submitted substantial and competent evidence showing property values won’t be affected.

Commissioners said the solar developers will have to take several more steps, including legally binding agreements to repair any roads damaged by construction, engineer plans for runoff control, and yearly operating permits from the county.

“I think the county has a lot of checks and balances, with the fact that it has to be permitted every year,” said Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner.

Northern Commissioner Dan Hampson said the county plans to use a portion of permit fees from the solar companies to pay for regular engineer inspections ensuring the farms comply with county regulations. 

What’s next?

The two solar companies now have to go through an administrative review process to ensure their plans for development meet county regulations approved earlier this year. They also have to secure road repair agreements for any public roads used during construction, and bonds to ensure the solar farms are disassembled if the companies become defunct, Gildehaus said.

Before going into operations, the solar farms will also need to begin paying annual permit fees with a combined total of about $1 million. Those fees will be used for solar farm oversight, but also split among local public services such as schools and emergency districts.

New commissioners

Incoming county commissioner Tom Meyer and Matt Flake, who will replace Kluesner and Hampson in January, both spoke after the current commissioners voted to approve the solar districts. Meyer expressed approval for the projects as a way to bring growth and development to Warren County. Flake was more reserved, saying he agrees with the commission’s process and decision, but that the solar companies will need to be monitored for compliance.

Opponents have criticized the commission for allowing two outgoing commissioners to vote on the projects, rather than waiting for the newly elected Meyer and Flake to take office.

Hampson responded by saying commissioners  are responsible for the decisions that get made until the day they leave office. The current commissioners are also the ones who have been studying the question of solar farms, he said.

“I’ve been involved in this process and am better equipped,” with information for a decision, Hampson said. “This vote was scheduled in my term, and I will vote (until) Dec. 31, 2020, on the things that are brought to this commission.”

Both incoming commissioners said they will take on the responsibility of monitoring the solar developments and safeguarding against nuisances.