The Center for Energy Education recently hosted a renewable energy workshop in Starke County for public officials, academic advisors, and industry experts, specifically focused on utility-scale solar projects, and to outline and inform attendees of the role of renewables within the energy and workforce landscape as it continues to evolve and diversify.
Continue readingRepresentatives of the Starke County Citizens against Progressive Solar, or C.A.P.S., appeared before the Starke County Plan Commission Wednesday, August 9 to present concerns and ask for a moratorium on any future solar projects until concerns can be addressed.
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The Starke County Commissioners may take another look at a rezoning request by the Redlin family south of Bass Lake on U.S. 35 for a proposed solar project.
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Zoning approval for the Pulaski County portion of the Mammoth Solar project has been struck down in court. An order filed this week in Pulaski Superior Court found that the developer’s application for a special exception from the board of zoning appeals failed to meet the requirements of the county’s Unified Development Ordinance.
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Kankakee Valley REMC is officially using its solar park following a recent ribbon cutting.
The project has been ongoing for several months, installing 432 solar panels at the cooperative’s headquarters in Wanatah. According to a press release, the ribbon cutting was to celebrate the site being operational, but also for the energy now being put back onto the grid.
The Town of Winamac could soon help prevent resident’s energy prices from spiking with the seasons.
During last night’s Winamac Town Council meeting, a special meeting was considered for discussions on a possible solar energy park. The Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) has expressed interest in developing the solar park.
Town Council member Richard Denney says the project may take a while.
“It’s not going to happen in 2015 and more than likely it won’t happen in 2016,” says Denney. “This year’s construction is underway for three units and next year’s is pretty much solid.”
IMPA currently has three solar parks in Frankton, Rensellaer, and Richton.
Its 59 “member communities” have been asked to help develop the solar parks. In order for any development to take place, however, 20 acres of land would need to be found for sale. The Town of Winamac is currently eyeing space at the Industrial Park, north of the County Home.
Once land is secured, IMPA staff would handle development, construction, fencing, and mowing.
Town Manager Brad Zellers says the Town of Winamac would have a small role to play in the upkeep.
“The only thing we have to do: they would like our crew once or twice per week to drive through and see if the green light is on or if the red light is on,” says Zellers. “If the red light is one, then there’s a problem. Call them.”
Solar parks are incentivized due to a spike in energy demand during the summer months. By implementing solar energy, it is anticipated energy peaks would largely be eliminated for consumers.
A presenter from the Indiana Municipal Power Agency will be invited to give the Winamac Town Council more information.
