The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has approved Frasier Solar's 120-megawatt solar electric generation facility in Clinton and Miller townships, Knox County. The OPSB approved the project on June 26 following a detailed review of public input, stipulations, and staff recommendations.
The approved project will cover approximately 840 acres within a 1,395-acre site, featuring photovoltaic solar panels mounted on tracking racks that follow the sun’s movement. The facility will include access roads, electric collection lines, inverters, transformers, a collector substation, and a 69-kilovolt interconnection to an existing American Electric Power (AEP) facility.
Frasier Solar must comply with 62 conditions designed to minimize environmental and community impacts during construction and operation. These include agricultural-style fencing around the site, a minimum 50-foot setback from the property lines of non-participating landowners, and a 300-foot buffer from nearby non-participating residences.
Additionally, Frasier is required to post a decommissioning bond to ensure the site is properly restored once the facility is no longer in use.
The agreement was supported by stakeholders including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Unions 688 and 1105, the Ohio Environmental Council, and the Ohio Farm Bureau.
During the OPSB's public hearings, 60 individuals supported the project citing clean energy benefits, economic opportunities such as job creation, and the use of agrivoltaic practices to preserve farmland. The project also offers local governments revenue through a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement.
Ninety five opponents spoke during the hearings, representing a majority of over 4,000 public comments submitted. They raised concerns about potential loss of farm land, impacts on local wildlife including bald eagles, drainage and soil erosion, noise, and declining property values. Questions were also raised about the long-term sustainability and recyclability of solar panel materials.
Despite opposition, the Board concluded that the project met the state's certification criteria.
The project is expected to generate over 230 construction jobs, resulting in nearly $25 million in earnings during the build phase. Long-term employment opportunities will also be created during operation. The inclusion of sheep grazing on-site will provide additional agricultural benefits.
The OPSB staff’s report found that the project’s visual impact will be limited by the rural landscape and planned vegetative screening. Surveys identified some cultural and historic sites within the area, but plans are in place to minimize potential for disturbing those sites.
