Columbia City Solar
WHITLEY COUNTY, INDIANA
Project Overview
Columbia City Solar, LLC (“Columbia City Solar”) is completing the development of a 100-megawatt (MW) solar facility on approximately 720 acres of privately-owned land near Columbia City in Whitley County, Indiana. The project will connect to AEP’s electric system via the existing 69kV Gateway substation.
Columbia City Solar is expected to operate for 30+ years, providing significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for the County and schools, and generate emission-free renewable energy.
As Columbia City Solar completes development, construction is targeted to start in 2024, bringing an influx of new jobs to the community. The project is expected to begin operating by 2026.
Project location
Timeline
Community Open House
thursday, Feb 9, 2023
6 pm – 8 pm
The Van Buren Event Center
301 W. Van Buren St.
Columbia City, IN
Columbia City Solar is committed to working with and keeping the community informed as we move through the permitting process. As part of that commitment, we are hosting a community open house to introduce the project, answer questions, and gather feedback.
There will not be a formal presentation so please stop by any time during the Open House hours to get information and meet project representatives.
Click here to view the posters from the open house.
Community Involvement
As a dedicated member of the community, Columbia City Solar will work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our involvement will go well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owner and community organizations. Throughout the life of every project we are involved with, we pride ourselves on being fully transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback.
About Us
Columbia City Solar, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, a leading renewable energy producer dedicated to sustainably powering the future. Leeward currently owns and operates 24 renewable energy facilities across nine states, totaling more than 2,500 MW of installed capacity.
Leeward is a portfolio company of OMERS infrastructure, a preeminent global infrastructure investment arm of OMERs, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with over C$121 billion in net assets (as of December 31, 2021).
Responsible Development
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety. Recent community partnerships Leeward has engaged in include sponsorship of Cops Shop with Kids and a local homeless shelter in Ohio, support for school lunch programs in North Carolina, and sponsorship of the city festival in DeKalb, Illinois.
CLICK HERE for more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC.
Resources
Columbia City Solar Fact Sheet Download Here
Solar frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What will the solar facility look like?
The Columbia City Solar facility will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames installed on driven steel posts with inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the project site will be fenced for security and safety. There will also be a vegetative screen on the perimeter of the project in areas which share borders with adjacent residences without existing screening.
Will the solar facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed solar projects will not negatively impact property values. A solar energy facility such as Columbia City Solar is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, solar projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, noise, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks and professional landscaping will also be used to mitigate visual impact.
Is this project safe for the community and environment?
Yes. Solar power generation produces no air pollution or greenhouse gases and has a positive, indirect effect by reducing the use of other energy sources. When it’s operational, Columbia City Solar can produce enough energy to power approximately 20,250 average Indiana homes without contributing carbon emissions. The solar panel materials are encased within the panel frame, and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air, meaning there is no threat of chemicals releasing into the environment during normal use. In addition, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions, and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety.
What is the impact on farmland?
Utility scale solar facilities such as Columbia City Solar are generally located on agricultural land, shifting farms from growing crops to generating clean energy. It’s not such a far reach as many farmers today are already in the energy production business. Nearly 40% of the corn grown in the U.S. is used for ethanol, a common biofuel. In addition to supporting farmer’s land-use rights, solar farms put significant dollars into communities and solar-hosting farmers have a reliable source of revenue for years to come.
Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?
Photovoltaic panels, like the ones that will be used at Columbia City Solar, are designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it. Additionally, solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years and the solar panels will be manufactured with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings further minimizing glare. Solar farms produce minimal noise as they do not contain large mechanical components. We design our projects so that any increase in noise from operation is negligible at neighboring properties.
How long will the solar facility be operational?
The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
Columbia City Solar, LLC will be responsible for maintaining the solar facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. We also implement vegetation management plans and best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and the proper mitigation of overgrowth and invasive plant species.
What happens at the end of the project’s life?
At the end of the life of the project, Columbia City Solar, LLC will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the permitting review process, Columbia City Solar will submit a decommissioning plan to ensure that ample consideration and financial protections will be provided.
How will development of the solar facility affect my community?
Construction will bring new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden county services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to local tax authorities and provide clean, emission-free energy in Indiana.
Contact
If you have additional questions about Columbia City Solar, please fill out the form below or leave a message on the Columbia City Solar message line @ (260) 786-6833.