Thursday, the UNOH Event Center was filled with community members and experts working with the proposed solar farm. This was the first time that Birch Solar was able to meet with the public in person versus over a video conference. Tables were set up with informational posters explaining the process of the solar farm that’s planned to be set up in Shawnee Township. Birch Solar says they’re excited to continue the process of putting up the solar farm and becoming a part of the community. 

The Birch Solar Farm Project would occupy over 1,000 acres in Allen and Auglaize County. The project is anticipated to deliver nearly 600,000-megawatt hours of renewable energy annually into the local AEP grid. The letter has been signed by Beth Seibert (Allen County Commissioner), Brian Winegardner (Allen County Commissioner), Cory Noonan (Allen County Commissioner, Rachel Gilroy (Allen County Auditor), Krista Bohn (Allen County Treasurer), and Brian Rhodes (Allen County Engineer.

The Allen Auglaize Coalition for Reasonable Energy (ACRE) held a virtual press conference through Zoom on Thursday. The meeting was held to discuss potential impacts and benefits that Lightsource BP's Birch Solar Project could have on both counties.  The Birch Solar Farm Project would occupy over 1,000 acres in Allen and Auglaize County. The project is anticipated to deliver nearly 600,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually into the local AEP grid.

The Allen Auglaize Citizens for Reasonable Energy (ACRE) group says the Lightsource BP's potential Birch Solar Farm project would bring a handful of benefits to both counties. The Birch Solar Farm Project would occupy 1,410 acres in Allen and Auglaize County. The project is anticipated to deliver nearly 600,000-megawatt hours of renewable energy annually into the local AEP grid. Opposition has been formed by a group called Against Birch Solar, citing that the proposed project would bring problems such as environmental, space, and noise.

During a virtual meeting, Mark Wellman, owner of Winona Lake, presented a PowerPoint with concerns about drainage, size, noise, and other issues he has with the project. The Birch Solar project permit is now sitting at the Ohio Siting Board waiting on approval or not. Wellman states that he has several concerns in the permit application that just don’t add up to him and will continue to address the issue.

It’s a collaborative effort to fully understand what is involved with the possible taxing options of Birch Solar by the Allen and Auglaize County Commissioners, the boards of Shawnee and Wapakoneta school districts, and the Apollo Career Center. If asked, these entities would have to decide on whether to accept a payment in lieu of taxes or a tax abatement and they want to make the best decision for all involved.

Lightsource BP has announced that they have signed a new power contract with Amazon.  The power purchase agreement with Amazon will be for the new 375 megawatt (MWdc) Birch solar project under development in Ohio.

Lightsource bp met virtually with commissioners presenting information that will help them have a better understanding of the possible taxation options of the project. As alternative energy and being solar they are heavy on equipment and light on fuel, so a preferential tax treatment was created by the state known as “PILOT” – payment in lieu of taxes. It is based on the capacity, or megawatts of the project, not the value. Commissioners want to have a good understanding of the numbers so if or when a “PILOT” may be asked for they can make an informed decision.

The director of development with Lightsource BP speaking virtually with Allen County Commissioners Thursday afternoon updating them on the Birch Solar project proposed in Shawnee Township. They have finalized their permitting layout and will be submitting it to the Ohio Power Siting Board. After concerns from the community, the company has decreased the total project acreage from 3,000 to 2,300 with only 1,400 acres containing panels. And those will be placed on site-specific land.

Against Birch Solar, LLC. hosted a public meeting on Saturday with Senate President Matt Huffman and Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp in attendance. The meeting aimed to discuss LightSource BP's Birch Solar project and the concerns that have been raised by community members.