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Residents raise battery, glare and radio-communication concerns as Duff Solar construction advances
Summary
EDP told the commissioners Duff Solar Park will be operational by September 2026 and that the current permit does not include battery storage; residents raised safety concerns about batteries, panel materials and profane radio traffic from AES crews during public comment.
Construction on the Duff Solar Park is under way and expected to be operational by September 2026, EDP Renewables told the Dubois County Commissioners on May 4. Tom LoTurco, EDP executive vice president, said the substation has been energized, pile driving is near completion, and racking and panel installation will follow.
LoTurco answered a series of public questions about energy-storage systems and panel materials. "The Duff Solar Park does not have a BESS," he said, noting the current permit is for solar only. He described changes in battery-chemistry standards and said modern systems are built in accordance with NFPA standards when they are present.
Multiple residents raised safety and nuisance concerns during the public-comment period. Jared Harris said he is "discouraged" by EDP's presentation and told the board he believes batteries are not safe; he encouraged residents to research the issue. Dave Duncan asked where panel components are manufactured and about road-use agreements for West Old Road 64; Leffert and LoTurco addressed those questions. John Kaltenbacher of the Town of Holland thanked the board for lowering speeds in the AES construction area and reported hearing AES workers using profanity on GMRS Channel 14 that was broadcast to the public; he asked the board to address the radio communications.
Commissioners and county staff recorded the concerns and indicated follow-up. Leffert recommended vegetation trimming and sight-distance corrections at specific driveways and asked AES to place barricades at an unplanned temporary entrance on 500W. The board approved a sign-placement plan and the temporary speed reduction for the Crossvine Solar construction area.
The minutes record that Duff Solar Park II may appear for permits as early as 2029 and that about 70% of the land for that future project has been leased; no permits or approvals for Duff Solar Park II were requested or acted on at this meeting.
The meeting record does not include a county response from law enforcement or AES to the accusations about radio profanity; commissioners said staff would look into public concerns.
