County OKs solar systems law
After considerable discussion, the Fayette County Board last week approved an ordinance that will allow solar energy systems in unincorporated areas of the county.
But, board members were told, that action does not create “a situation where there is going to be a tsunami of solar panels everywhere.”
The ordinance, Assistant State’s Attorney Brenda Mathis said, allows solar systems on county property and in unincorporated residential areas. It does not allow for such systems within municipal boundaries in the county, she said.
Bryce Kistler, a board member who has been working on the issue for several months, explained with the ordinance, anyone wanting to install a solar system will have to get a permit from the county.
And, he said, solar systems “are not just going to pop up on every 40 acres in the county – there are stipulations.”
Kistler said the stipulations are that systems have to be close to a substation and have to have three-phase power available.”
As part of his research, Kistler contacted Minnesota-based Solar Stone Partners, and Gordy Simonton of that company was at the meeting to further explain solar systems.
Simonton said that Kistler had asked about putting solar systems on county property, and it was determined that there are two county parcels, of 21 and 37 acres, off of Ill. Route 185 that are suitable for solar systems.
He said that substations in Hillsboro and on Payne Drive in Vandalia are “ideal for us.”
Simonton said that his company would bond for $25,000 per megawatt with the county for 4 megawatts of power, which would be able to serve 1,000 homes.
Mathis said that the ordinance is just for solar gardens and solar farms, for utilities.
Kistler said he feels that if the county puts a solar system on county property off of Ill. Route 184, “others in the county will want it.”
Residents who tap into the grid, he said, will be responsible for taxes, which creates revenue for the county.
County Supervisor of Assessments Cindy Lotz confirmed that leases on five parcels have been filed already.
He said that passage of the ordinance was needed in order to enter into an agreement with Solar Stone Partners. If the ordinance did not pass, he said, "other companies will come in and the county won’t get any money.
Simonton believes that in Fayette County, anyone wanting a solar garden or solar farm would need to first get an OK from their township and then go to the county for a permit.
Board member Glenn Gurtner had several questions on the specifics of the ordinance, and board Chairman Jeff Beckman said, “It’s not like we can’t come back and revisit it.”
Gurtner and John Daniels Jr. voted against its passage.