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Knox County board approves two solar farms, citing school-tax revenue and local benefits
Summary
The Knox County Board approved two conditional-use requests for solar energy farms — Cherry Grove Solar (5 MW) and Moon Solar (45 MW) — after applicants described expected tax revenue, community outreach and environmental reviews; both votes passed on roll call.
The Knox County Board on Feb. 26 approved two conditional-use applications for utility-scale solar projects that applicants and landowners said will generate local tax revenue and preserve farmland.
Nick Fingara, a representative for Cherry Grove Solar, told the board the project north of Abingdon would occupy about 30 acres and produce roughly 5 megawatts of power for Ameren customers. "The project is intended to be a community solar project providing 5 megawatts of clean energy to Ameren customers," Fingara said, and the application included an executed interconnection agreement, a decommissioning plan and environmental studies.
Shane Shields, director of development for Birch Creek Energy (the parent company of Moon Solar), described the second approval as a larger, mid-sized project west of Grimfield. "It's expected to contribute $19,000,000 in regional economic growth," Shields said, and he estimated the Moon Solar project would produce more than $5 million in tax revenue over its lifetime, with "more than half of that will go directly to the school district."
Landowners and local supporters also spoke in favor. Sue Runyon, whose family farmland would host the Moon Solar array, said a solar farm would help keep the property in the family and "help ensure my farm continues to stay in the family," and she stressed that tax dollars from the project would benefit schools and fire districts. Sean Pluta, another project representative, thanked zoning staff and the ZBA for a thorough review and urged a "yes" vote.
Board members voted on each conditional-use request by roll call. The record shows the board approved case CU-01-25 (Cherry Grove Solar) and case CU-02-25 (Moon Solar) in separate motions; each approval was recorded with 12 ayes.
The applicants and staff said next steps include final permitting, building permits and construction; one applicant estimated construction and study timelines could push start of operations into 2027, depending on approvals. The projects will still need county building permits and other regulatory steps before generating power.
Votes at a glance: both zoning requests were approved by recorded roll-call votes. The board did not list additional conditions beyond those in the packet and the ZBA recommendation.
The board moved on to other business after the votes.
