A proposed 13-acre community solar farm at the west edge of Westville has taken a step forward. Members of the Vermilion County Board last night (Tuesday, November 15, 2023) approved a site application for the project, but it still needs a building permit in order to proceed.
Attorney Andrew Keyt, representing the County’s Wind and Solor Committee, noted there are nine conditions listed in an agreement between the parties…
Audio Player{AUDIO: “There is an additional condition that a board member suggested in regard to annual inspections. I’m going to suggest that if you are going to adopt the project subject to conditions, that you add an additional condition for annual inspections.}
Keyt told County Board members that the agreement with Solar Provider Group is proposed to run 25 years….
Audio Player{AUDIO: “I would suggest making that 35 years. The reason being is, unbeknownst to us when we were in the committee, it actually matches that time period, matches the period of time. Thirty-five years matches the period of time for which they have a lease. So that’s the period of time that would match up for when their use of the property is taking place.”}
The County Board approved the site application with the inclusion of both annual inspections and having it run 35 years. Project Manager Simon Courtney of Solar Provider Group said earlier this month that the company hopes to start erecting solar panels in a field off West Main Street in Westville early next year. He said the project would likely be completed in about 15 weeks once the work begins. But again…first Solar Provider Group must get a construction permit.
