SOLV Energy breaks ground on 196-MW Ohio solar project

Leeward Renewable Energy announced that it has commenced onsite construction on the 196-MW Big Plain Solar project located near London, Ohio. The renewable energy generated by the project will be supplied to Verizon Communications under a long-term power purchase agreement.

SOLV Energy serves as the EPC contractor on the project, which will use First Solar modules. Big Plain Solar is expected to provide approximately 400 construction jobs, with at least 80% to Ohioans, furthering LRE’s commitment to hiring local labor.

As part of LRE’s pledge to being responsible stewards of the land it develops and manages, the company will implement numerous sustainable practices at Big Plain Solar, including maintaining a soil health monitoring program and curating a 70-acre pollinator habitat.

“The start of construction at Big Plain Solar is an integral step in the advancement of LRE’s solar portfolio and an important milestone for Ohio and the local community,” said John Wieland, chief development officer at LRE. “This project not only brings economic development benefits to Madison County, but also environmental benefits. Across the LRE portfolio, we are continuously looking for ways to implement innovative land management practices to improve the soil health and aesthetics of our projects, and we look forward to implementing these practices at Big Plain Solar. We thank Madison County and the rest of the community for their continued support and long-term partnership.”

LRE expects the project will reach commercial operation by June 2023.

News item from Leeward Renewable Energy

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/08/solv-energy-breaks-ground-on-196-mw-ohio-solar-project/