US Solar proposes 60-acre solar facility northwest of Lennox

Scenery of corn and bean fields next to herds cattle can be found while roaming the countryside of Lincoln County. To preserve the beauty of the land, one developer, US Solar, is hoping to nestle solar facilities on a 60-acre parcel Northwest of Lennox and blend in with their surroundings.

In 2014 US Solar opened its doors building small, 1-megawatt community solar gardens in Minnesota and has since expanded its operations to multiple states with over 85 current operational projects. 

“US Solar is a developer, financier, and asset manager of solar projects. We handle all facets of solar development including site selection, lease negotiations with landowners, permitting and development, construction management, project financing, and asset management,” said Senior Vice President, Project Development of US Solar, Tena Monson.

Now, with over 80 employees, US Solar works to create solar facilities or rows of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity and sends it to the electric grid. 

Land for solar facilities is sparse in the area due to the need for specific land requirements. 

“Generally speaking, solar developers look for flat land with plenty of sunlight access as well as proximity to three-phase power distribution lines that are located relatively close to an electrical substation,” she said. 

The team is in the beginning stages of what will be known as USS Lennox Solar LLC, which will be located northwest of Lennox on a 60-acre parcel.

The proposed location is west of 465th Avenue and North of 277th Street. 

“The proposed site of USS Lennox Solar LLC has favorable characteristics, the land is extremely flat, and the proposed project would interconnect to the Lennox substation, which is located at the corner of West Boynton Avenue and North Elm Street on the North side of Lennox,” Monson said.

While on a 60-acre parcel, USS Lennox Solar LLC plans to use up 43-fenced acres and plan to blend into their environment in ways that are beneficial to all. 

“Evergreen trees will be planted adjacent to the Southern, Eastern, and Northern fences for a more natural look, which will minimize the visual impact to any Northern and Southern neighbors, as well as motor vehicles driving along 465th Avenue to the East of the project,” she said. 

Creating natural habitats will help benefit the wildlife in the area as well. 

“The proposed solar garden would benefit the community in several ways. Pollinator-friendly habitat would be planted within the fenced acreage under the rows of solar modules. This habitat helps reduce stormwater runoff and also provides a food source to local pollinators such as bees,” she continued.

In January, talks began at an open house held with neighbors, a Perry Township official, and staff members from Lincoln County Planning and Zoning for the project where conversations centered around the visual aspects of the solar facility, stormwater drainage, and decommissioning of the project. 

“We’re still in the beginning phases and have not submitted our formal project application to Lincoln County yet, but individuals have been curious and asking great questions so far,” Monson said. 

According to Monson, City of Lennox staff members have been informed of the project, and US Solar anticipates appearing in front of the Lennox City Council in the spring or summer of this year as Lincoln County is the formal zoning authority having jurisdiction. 

“If approved and constructed, USS Lennox Solar LLC would be a distributed-generation solar garden. While we’re still in the initial planning phase and have not yet solidified a revenue agreement, we engage with local utilities who show interest in the power generated. There would be no third-party subscribers for this project like there are with community solar gardens,” she said.

If approved, the solar project would take around 18 months to complete. 

“As part of developing the project, US Solar would work directly with Xcel Energy to upgrade local electric distribution lines, helping with grid resilience. We estimate the construction of the USS Lennox Solar LLC project would provide about 25 temporary construction jobs. Tax revenue from the project would benefit three local entities including Lincoln County, Perry Township, and the Lennox School District,” she said.

 Throughout the 25-year initial term of USS Lennox Solar LLC, US Solar anticipates the project bringing over $294,000 to Lennox School District, over $88,000 to Perry Township, and over $206,000 to Lincoln County.