big plain solar
Madison County, Ohio
Project Overview
Big Plain Solar, LLC (“Big Plain Solar”) is a 196-megawatt (MW) solar energy project located on approximately 1,500 acres of privately-owned land near London, Ohio. The solar facility received permit approval through the Ohio Power Siting Board in 2021, and Big Plain Solar began generating clean energy in mid-2023.
Big Plain Solar is expected to operate for 30+ years, providing significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for the surrounding county, and generate emission-free renewable energy.
The Big Plain Solar facility is a focal point for Leeward Renewable Energy’s sustainability and land stewardship efforts. The project features a diverse but comprehensive land stewardship program that includes pollinator fields, sheep grazing and on-site apiaries and backs our commitment to be good stewards of the environment and the land under our care.
location
PROJECT Benefits
Solar energy facilities like Big Plain Solar are a beneficial, temporary, and low impact use of land that bring numerous benefits including:
- A significant county property tax revenue increase with a positive impact on local schools.
- Minimal impact on county services such as schools, EMS, water, and other public
services. - A sizable local job base was created during the construction phase of the project.
- Big Plain Solar’s site includes significant land stewardship and agrivoltaics efforts including sheep grazing, apiaries and pollinator fields.
- No emissions and requires limited amounts of water during operation.
- At the end of operations, equipment is removed and the land restored to its prior use, with rested soils and effective drainage.
- A continuous commitment to being a good neighbor in the community.
Timeline
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Big Plain Solar, like all Leeward Renewable Energy facilities, is committed to being a dedicated member of the communities we call home, and we work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Throughout the life of every project, we pride ourselves on being transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback. We also believe being involved means giving back. Big Plain Solar has supported local causes the community is passionate about and will continue to do so through the life of the project. Big Plain Solar has provided support for local youth sports in Madison County, a job training partnership with Clark State College, and partnered with the Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails on a mural project along the Roberts Pass bike trail in London, Ohio. Big Plain Solar will continue to seek positive ways to stay actively engaged with the community and serve as a good corporate neighbor.
About Us
Big Plain Solar, LLC (Big Plain Solar,) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC. Leeward Renewable Energy
(LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company building a sustainable future for all. The company owns and operates a
portfolio of 32 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of
generating capacity and is actively developing and contracting a robust pipeline of new renewable energy projects. LRE takes a
tailored, full-lifecycle approach to its projects, which is underpinned by its long-term ownership model and purpose-driven
culture that is dedicated to benefiting its community partners while protecting and enhancing the environment. LRE is a portfolio
company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of the largest defined pension plans in Canada, with C
$127.4 billion in net assets (as at June 30,2023). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
PROJECT DOWNLOADS
Big Plain Solar Project Fact Sheet Download Here
LRE Sustainability Report Download Here
Will the solar facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed solar projects will not negatively impact property values. A solar energy facility such as Big Plain Solar is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, solar projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, noise, and excess traffic.
Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?
Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The solar panels are manufactured (some in Ohio) with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are typically inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks included in the facility’s design.
Is this project safe for the community and environment?
Yes. Solar power generation produces no air pollution or greenhouse gases and has a positive, indirect effect by reducing the use of other energy sources. Big Plain Solar can produce enough energy to power approximately 37,000 average Ohio homes without contributing carbon emissions. The solar panel materials are enclosed, and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air, meaning there is no threat of chemicals releasing into the environment during normal use. In addition, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety.
What is the impact on farmland?
Utility scale solar facilities such as Big Plain Solar are generally located on agricultural land, shifting farms from growing crops to generating clean energy. It’s not such a far reach as many farmers today are already in the energy production business. In fact, approximately one-fourth of corn cropland in the U.S. is used for ethanol, a common biofuel. In addition to supporting farmer’s land-use rights, solar farms put significant dollars into communities and solar-hosting farmers have a reliable source of revenue for years to come.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
Big Plain Solar is responsible for maintaining the solar facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management are built into the project plan. We also implement vegetation management plans and best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and the proper mitigation of overgrowth and invasive plant species.
What happens at the end of the Project’s life?
At the end of the life of the project, Big Plain Solar will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the permitting review process, Big Plain Solar submitted a decommissioning plan to ensure that ample consideration and protections will be provided.
How long will the solar facility be operational?
The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
coNTACt
If you have additional questions about the Big Plain Solar facility, you can fill out the form below. You can also reach Big Plain Solar directly by calling (214) 515-1110.
