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Benton County backs neighbors' request for added screening at NextEra solar site
Summary
The county board approved sending a draft letter from the planning commission to NextEra and the Public Utilities Commission asking for enhanced screening—a berm and other measures—where a large solar installation abuts a rural neighborhood; planning commissioners and neighbors raised concerns about visibility, glare and fire safety.
Benton County’s planning commission and county board agreed to support a draft letter asking NextEra and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for added screening where a proposed large solar array borders a rural neighborhood.
Roxanne (Planning Commission) told the board the planning commission unanimously supported sending a letter requesting enhanced screening for the area near R Mitchell Court adjacent to the proposed project, and shared photos and an example from Sherburne County where an earthen berm effectively concealed panels from nearby houses. She said the draft would be submitted prior to a public hearing at the Sauk Rapids Government Center later this month.
Commissioners asked whether added screening would reduce the area available for panels. Roxanne said the engineering of a berm could affect layout but that the request is not a requirement—only a neighborhood-supported suggestion. Commissioner Johnson noted conversations with the Sauk Rapids fire chief who reported five fires in other solar installations and raised concerns about emergency access and owner responsiveness when incidents occur.
After discussion about potential screening solutions (berms, tree plantings, glare mitigation sails) and whether NextEra had seen the draft letter, a motion to send the letter to NextEra Energy and the Public Utilities Commission passed by voice vote.
What’s next: Planning staff will finalize submission details and circulate the letter to commissioners before filing it ahead of the public comment period and the Sauk Rapids hearing.
