Providing Positive Economic Benefits to Madison County
About Plains Solar
Plains is a proposed 49 MW solar project located in Jefferson Township, Madison County, OH. The project will consist of interconnected solar modules mounted on racking affixed to steel pilings driven into the ground. These pilings do not require concrete foundations. Plains will be working with the community and county to permit this project in late 2022.
The Plains Solar Project is being developed by Open Road Renewables. Open Road is a renewable energy company focused on the development of utility-scale clean energy projects in the United States. Open Road’s highly experienced team is on a mission to make the promise of clean energy and economic security a reality for communities across the country.
Open Road developed one of the first large-scale projects in Ohio, Hillcrest Solar, and is an industry leader in Ohio. Members of our team are local to Central Ohio, affording Open Road the ability to be present in the community every day.
Local Benefits
Solar allows landowners to diversify their income, plan for retirement, or even put their kids through college, while preserving the land for their future generations. Outside of the benefits to the participating landowners, there are benefits to the community from the increased tax revenue generated by the project. This revenue supports local tax jurisdictions where the Plains is located including but not limited to the Local School District, Township, health services, emergency services, veteran services, Joint Vocational Schools, and Madison County.
Plains Solar aims to secure a PILOT Agreement, which ensures sustainable, long-term revenue for local taxing jurisdictions while putting additional requirements on the Project:
Road Use and Maintenance Agreement
Emergency Services Training and Equipment Provision
80% in-state construction labor requirement
University/Joint Vocational School workforce development partnership
Minimal Impact
Modern solar projects consist of thousands of solar modules mounted on racking. The racking is mounted on steel posts driven into the soil without the use of poured concrete. Existing subsurface drainage is surveyed, avoided, rerouted, repaired, and maintained - ensuring that neighboring tile networks continue to function as designed.
Due to the level contours of the site, only minimal grading may be necessary. All topsoil will be retained on-site.
To provide ecological benefits, improve water quality, and reduce runoff, soils on site will be decompacted and planted with beneficial native and adapted species.
Project fencing will be agricultural-style and wildlife permeable. No chain-link fencing or barbed wire will be used apart from the project electrical substation (as required by National Electric Code).
Along the project fence in areas within 1000’ of a neighboring residence, a 25’-wide buffer of landscaping consisting of trees and shrubs will be planted.
Plains Solar will bond the project’s eventual decommissioning, allowing for adequate funding to return the site to its current agricultural condition.
Project Location
Plains will be a photovoltaic (“PV”) electric generation facility located in Jefferson Township, Madison County. The Project will have a nameplate capacity of 49 MW. The Project will occupy about 400 acres of agricultural land, which can be returned to farming after 40 years at the election of the landowner.
Maximum capacity: 49 MW
Total fenced area: 407 acres (+/-)
Inverter Type: Central
Racking type: Single-Axis Tracker
Foundation: Driven Steel Pilings
Maximum height: 15 feet
Ground Coverage Ratio: 31% (+/-)