Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves 5‑MW community solar garden on 31 acres with screening and decommissioning surety
Summary
A 5‑megawatt community solar garden proposed by Nokomis Energy would occupy about 31 acres of prime farmland; staff estimated annual production at ~9,800 MWh and recommended six conditions including decommissioning surety and native cover standards; the board required screening and a build‑out window and approved the permit at roll call.
The Clay County Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use permit for a 5‑megawatt community solar garden on roughly 31 acres of cultivated cropland, subject to conditions addressing decommissioning financial surety, native plant cover, screening for nearby residences, and a build‑out deadline.
Planning staff said the project would use about 11,800 panels on tracker racking with an anticipated annual generation of about 9,800 megawatt‑hours and an expected operational life of 25 to 35 years. Staff estimated decommissioning costs at about $218,500 (noting salvage values were not included) and projected annual solar production tax revenue of roughly $11,840 to be split 80/20 between the county and township over 25 years.
Michael Braun of Nokomis Energy said the company intends to wrap vegetative screening around the east side of the facility and is willing to address resident concerns. Commissioners discussed screening type and timing and added a three‑year window for the project to be established. After a roll‑call vote that recorded a majority in favor (with two nays), the permit was approved with the listed conditions and a requirement to provide decommissioning surety.
