State agency funds 180-MW 'agrivoltaic' project in Ohio

• The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) issued $275 million in air quality revenue bonds to finance Madison Fields Solar Project in Madison County, Ohio.

" We are delighted to partner with regional leaders and Madison Fields Solar Project on the development of this solar facility that brings extra financial investment into the community," stated Christina O'Keeffe, the executive director of OAQDA. "Along with the air quality as well as economic benefits, the project accepts an innovative method known as 'agrivoltaics,' offering ongoing revenue possibilities for regional farmers."

The Madison Fields project is being created by Savion Energy of Kansas City, Missouri, and is expected to be completed in December 2023 and plans to operate for a minimum of thirty years. The firm is collaborating with Ohio State University's Extension Service on pairing agriculture with solar.

Agrivoltaics enables PV solar projects to substitute agriculture and agricultural practices instead of ground cover and mechanical maintenance. By incorporating solar projects with livestock (sheep, goats, or chickens), or cultivating crops on solar energy sites, power production can co-exist with agriculture as well as agricultural practices. This can enhance soil health and wellness, maintain farmland, and also boost biodiversity.

The 180-MW solar facility is expected to create the comparable power for up to roughly 35,000 homes. The project develops 2 full time long-term jobs as well as 596 full time momentary positions throughout the building stage.

Regional revenue arising from this project will certainly go to the local taxing district as well as Madison County. Pike Township likewise will certainly receive $3 million over the lifetime of the project.

The business has actually gotten community support for the project consisting of from the Board of Commissioners of Madison County, the Madison County Soil as well as Water Conservation District, Pike Township as well as Fairbanks Local School District.