Carnation Solar: A Renewable Future in Fairfield County
About Carnation Solar LLC in Fairfield County
The Carnation Solar Project is a 142 megawatt (MW) solar development located in Amanda Township, Fairfield County, Ohio. The Carnation Solar Project is a partnership with local landowners and will span approximately 1,700 acres. Benefits include:
Calculations based on EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies calculator and current state tax for solar facilities. Subject to change.
View the Carnation Solar Project Interactive Map
Current Status
Carnation Solar is focused on engaging the local community with the intent to submit our permit application to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) in early 2025. If the project gains approval by the end of 2025, construction could start as early as the spring of 2026 and last through the end of 2027. The project would likely start producing electricity in late 2027 or early 2028.
Schedules are subject to change.
A Quick Look at All Ohio Projects
- solar project in operations
- solar project under construction
- solar project in development
Geronimo Power prioritizes meeting early, and often with members of the public and locally elected officials in a proposed project area. We held two Public Information Meetings in the Amanda Township in the fall of 2024, along with a Public Open House.
Past Events
Public Information Meeting | November 20, 2024
Location: Amanda Primary School Cafeteria, Amanda, OH | 5-7 PM
Attendees: 182
Paper Comments Submitted:109
What We Heard: The most common themes we heard from visitors and in written comments touched on farmland preservation, what the project will look like, construction concerns around noise and safety, wildlife and property values.
Public Information Meeting | October 10, 2024
Location: Amanda-Clearcreek High School, Amanda, OH | 5-7 PM
Attendees: 191
Paper Comments Submitted:159
What We Heard: The most common themes we heard from visitors and in written comments touched on farmland preservation, what the project will look like, construction concerns around noise and safety, wildlife and property values.
Public Open House | September 25, 2024
Location: Amanda-Clearcreek High School, Amanda, OH | 5-7 PM
Attendees: 27
Paper Comments Submitted: 3
What We Heard: Common themes heard from attendees included project questions about the visual impact of the project, property values and farmland preservation.
Ohio Power Siting Board Process
Under Ohio Law, electric generating facilities capable of producing 50 MW or more must apply for a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need from the OPSB. The OPSB provides for a single unified process by which applicants can obtain a certificate to construct and operate an electric generating facility.
The OPSB certification process includes public informational meetings, submittal of a certificate application (R.C. 4906.06), 60-day staff completeness review, application acceptance, OPSB staff review and recommendation, a public hearing (R.C. 4906.07), an adjudicatory hearing, and certificate issuance or denial (R.C. 4906.10). There are various avenues for public participation throughout the permitting process. This includes commenting on the docket and attending public hearings. Additionally, persons who desire to intervene in the OPSB proceeding may do so in accordance with Ohio Adm. Code 4906-2-12.
Anticipated Waiver Requests
Based on the information currently available, Carnation Solar anticipates requesting partial waivers of Ohio Adm.Code 4906-4-08(D)(3) (reduced study area for landmarks) and Ohio Adm.Code 4906-4-08(D)(6) (reduced study area for visual impacts) when it files its application with the OPSB. Carnation Solar may request additional waivers, if necessary.
More Information
There are various avenues for public participation throughout the permitting process. You can sign up to receive electronic notifications about this proceeding directly from the OPSB, by either subscribing to OPSB news releases, or subscribing to the OPSB case (Case No. 24-881-EL-BGN) at dis.puc.state.oh.us. More information can be found via the OPSB website. If you have questions regarding the OPSB process or public participation, you can contact the OPSB directly:
Address: Ohio Power Siting Board 180 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (866) 270-6772
E-mail: [email protected]
OPSB website: opsb.ohio.gov
Our commitment to being a responsible community partner in Fairfield County goes beyond safely maintaining the resilient energy systems society expects. It’s about becoming a part of the fabric of the Fairfield community and making sure we do our part to play a positive economic and social role for our neighbors and community members. We take a community centered approach throughout the project life cycle, connecting with community members of the Amanda Township from project inception all the way through construction.
Neighborhood News
As part of our commitment to lifting up the communities we serve, Geronimo Power is proud to support local non-profits and organizations, including:
Through a combination of charitable donations and volunteerism, our goal is to connect with local schools and nonprofit organizations to support their work in the local community.
What is Carnation Solar?
Carnation Solar is a proposed 142-megawatt solar project traversing ~ 1,700 acres in Amanda Township, Fairfield County, Ohio.
What is the timeline for Carnation Solar?
Currently, Carnation Solar is focused on engaging the local community with the intent to submit our permit application to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) in early 2025. If the project gains approval by the end of 2025, construction could start as early as the spring of 2026 and last through the end of 2027. The project would likely start producing electricity in late 2027 or early 2028.
How long does the permitting process take and what steps are involved?
The permitting process begins with public information meetings held in the local community and takes approximately 12-18 months for the board to make a decision after the application is submitted. There are several steps in the process as outlined below:
- Applicant and OPSB hold two Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- Applicant submits application
- OPSB investigates application
- OPSB holds a public hearing and adjudicatory hearing
- OPSB announces permitting decision
Who is Geronimo Power?
Geronimo Power develops, owns, and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. We have a longstanding history in the state of Ohio that goes beyond just bringing clean and affordable energy to its residents. Our team has worked tirelessly to build strong relationships in the state to help expand access and funding for education programs that will benefit future generations for years to come. Our farmer-friendly and community-focused approach means our projects benefit their local host communities and invigorate local and statewide economies throughout both construction and operation.
As a resident of Fairfield County, how will my community benefit from this project?
- Carnation Solar is expected to generate $147,000 in tax revenue each year for Fairfield County – that means more money for local roads and bridges, schools and other critical needs for your community.
- Carnation Solar is expected to generate ~$73.6 million in direct economic impact over the first 20 years of operations.
- During construction, Carnation Solar intends to hire workers as locally as possible, with a target of at least 70% of the workforce residing in Ohio.
- A solar project diversifies and boosts the reliability of Ohio’s electricity supply – this is particularly important as extreme weather becomes more common.
- Hosting a solar project locally means Americans will have access to low-cost renewable energy that supports national security by reducing U.S. reliance on foreign energy imports.
How many jobs would this project create?
Carnation Solar is expected to create ~200 jobs during construction, which will benefit the local business community including gas stations, hotels, and restaurants. Construction jobs typically last around 18 months.
Upon project completion, there will likely be a need for 2-3 full-time permanent positions. While permanent job creation is small, the biggest benefit to the community comes from the additional tax revenue created, without stressing local schools and services with a big population increase.
What impact will this project have on local wildlife and the natural ecosystem?
Carnation Solar shares local dedication and drive to protect Ohio’s diversified wildlife. After construction, the space between panels will be planted with a low-growing local seed mix developed specifically for the soil conditions at Carnation Solar to ensure sustained growth, create a stable habitat, and promote biodiversity. Additionally, a wildlife-friendly fence will be installed around the solar array, which includes gaps for small wildlife permeability and NO barbed wire. This in turn helps create a natural and safe habitat for local animals.
Will there be an environmental assessment performed on this project?
Yes, detailed environmental field studies will be completed on the project site as required by the OPSB which include surveys for cultural resources, wetlands and streams, habitat assessments, and a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
I am concerned about preserving Ohio’s pristine farmland.
In Ohio, solar is considered an agricultural use, and solar projects offer a way to preserve farms. Unlike major commercial development that permanently replaces farmland, solar developments only temporarily take farmland out of production for a limited amount of time, ~25 – 35 years. Solar projects themselves provide a much-needed rest for the soil— allowing soil microorganisms and fauna to recover from compaction and improving soil health over time so that it can one day be returned to agricultural use.
Are solar panels safe?
Yes! While no form of energy generation is free from any type of impact, solar energy impacts are among the lowest, as they emit no air or water pollution, use no water in the generation of electricity and create no hazardous or radioactive waste on site requiring permanent storage.
I am concerned about the noise and disruption this project will cause.
Noise during construction is unavoidable, but we are committed to reducing impacts to project neighbors to the extent practical. General construction activities are limited to between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or until dusk when sunset happens after 7 p.m. Impact pile driving and hoe ram operations , if required, are limited to the hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Once operational, the activity, noise, and maintenance are minimal.
I moved to a rural area for the beautiful views, what will this project look like?
Depending on which road you are traveling on or where you live, you could potentially see the project, but visual mitigation strategies will be in place, including:
- Vegetative buffers will be planted along the agricultural-style fence line where the project is adjacent to homes or other high traffic areas.
- A 150-foot setback from roads and 300-foot setback from non-participating residents will be implemented.
What will this project mean for my property value?
A property value impact report will be completed as part of the OPSB process. To date, Cohn Reznick studies have shown that existing solar facilities have not caused any consistent and measurable negative impact on property values. Cohn Reznick is a leading advisory, assurance and tax firm considered an expert in property values.
What will happen to the solar panels once they have reached the end of their useful life?
Solar panels can be recycled through specialized companies, several of which are in Ohio. Carnation Solar will also create a decommissioning plan for the project and post a decommissioning bond with the OPSB as required under Ohio Revised Code. The decommissioning plan will detail exactly how the panels and all related infrastructure will be removed and the land restored to its previous condition as farmland.
Will there be opportunities for public outreach/involvement over the course of the project?
Yes! Carnation Solar wants your feedback! Send us an email at [email protected].
Downloadable Documents
The downloadable documents are all materials that have been produced for the public to learn more about the Carnation Solar development.
“What We Heard” Amanda Township Resident Meeting Recaps
Get a quick snapshot of each of the two Public Information Meetings for Carnation Solar, which were held in October and November of 2024.
Handouts
These handouts are meant to provide additional details about solar developments and the benefits to the community, as well as address community concerns.
- Carnation Solar Project Fact Sheet
- Carnation Solar Project Area
- Carnation Solar Comment Mailer
- Carnation Solar Templated Support Letter Mailer
- Carnation Solar Letters of Support Postcard
- Carnation Solar Public Information Meeting 1 Layout
- Carnation Solar Public Information Meeting 2 Layout
- Solar Energy FAQ
- Solar Energy Myth Busters
- Solar Panel Glare Fact Sheet
- Solar Energy Projects: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Posters
These posters were on display at the Public Open House in September, and the two Public Information Meetings in October and November of 2024.
Show Your Support for Carnation Solar
Anticipated Commercial Operation Date
Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence as early as 2026. The Carnation Solar Project is scheduled to be in service as early as 2027.
Project Contact Info
Ohio Power Siting Board
A digital copy of the application can be found on the project docket 24-0881-EL-BGN. To request a paper copy of the application please email the below address and a project representative will respond to your request.
