Developer introduces large-scale solar project east of Windsor; company says interconnection and permitting remain key milestones
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Summary
TED Renewables presented a proposed utility-scale solar project southeast of Windsor, describing a 700–800-acre site and an approximate $170 million construction estimate that the company says would raise the property’s assessed value and produce local tax revenue.
A developer calling itself TED Renewables (a development subsidiary of Tier Energy) introduced a proposed large-scale solar facility on private timberland southeast of Windsor and near Cooper Hill Road.
The presenter described the site footprint as roughly 700–800 acres and said the company has been conducting environmental studies, wetlands delineations, cultural and threatened-species surveys, and other diligence. TED Renewables said the project’s construction window would likely be in 2027 if interconnection and permitting go as planned; company representatives said one of the longest lead items is obtaining approval to interconnect at the transmission (high-voltage) level, a process that can take multiple years.
Company representatives said they prioritize community engagement and design practices intended to reduce visual impacts and wildlife disruption: typical setbacks of 50–200 feet from roads and residences, the use of wildlife-friendly fencing (with gaps at the bottom for small animals), vegetative buffers and driven (not concreted) racking piles that can be removed at project end. The presenter said the project is intended to be located on a fairly remote parcel owned by Wirehiser Timber Company and that TED Renewables and Tier Energy will handle development, engineering and eventual financing.
On economics, the development team said outside consultants estimate the construction investment at roughly $170 million and projected local property tax revenue at about $300,000 annually over 35 years (approximately $12 million over the life of the project). Company representatives said peak construction employment could be 200–250 on-site during a 12–18 month build window, and they offered to coordinate local workforce training with community colleges and workforce-development partners.
The project will require state-level review as a “power plant” permitting matter. Company representatives said they expect to file for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with the N.C. Utilities Commission, which will review environmental and cultural studies. TED Renewables said it has not finalized a power-purchasing contract and that, because the site lies near the PJM regional transmission footprint, the eventual buyer of power could be distant and is not yet determined.
County commissioners and members of the public asked about local hiring, tax revenue distribution, who would own and sell the power, and the anticipated permitting timeline. The developer offered to continue public outreach as the project proceeds.
Provenance: solar project presentation and discussion occurred in the transcript beginning with the TED Renewables introduction and continuing through questions about taxes, jobs and interconnection.