The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), the state board that oversees energy projects, approved a large-scale solar project in Fairfield County on Thursday.
The Eastern Cottontail project has state permission to start installing solar panels on about 1,550 acres of private farmland in Walnut Township.
Project developer EDF Power Solutions reports that Eastern Cottontail Solar will create about 500 temporary construction jobs as well as some permanent jobs.
The 220 megawatt site is set to generate enough electricity to power about 42,000 average American homes. Sheep are expected to eventually graze under the solar panels, combining energy production and traditional agriculture.
“This milestone is a result of years of engagement with the Fairfield County community, farmers and landowners, and local officials to align the project with community priorities and long-term growth," said Nick Lucania, lead developer of the Eastern Cottontail Solar Project, in a statement.
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The project's approval comes as central Ohio's energy demands are growing, and as other solar projects in the region have been received with mixed feelings from local communities.
Opponents of large solar projects often lament the loss of scenic and functional farmland and cite concerns about noise and pollutants, while supporters laud solar as clean energy and argue landowners have a right to lease their property to solar developers if they choose.
In June, OPSB approved the controversial Frasier Solar project in Knox County. Earlier this year, developers pulled the plug on another solar project in Logan County amid fierce local opposition.
Eastern Cottontail's timeline lists construction in 2025, with the site slated to be operational by 2026.
