In 2024, solar projects in Logan County became a major topic of debate, with the Grange Solar and Fountain Point Solar projects drawing attention and dividing the community.
On September 6, 2024, Grange Solar held a public meeting at Indian Lake High School to present its Grange Solar Grazing Center plan. This project aims to create a solar energy facility that could produce up to 500 megawatts of power across 2,568 acres in Washington, Stokes, Richland, McArthur, and Bloomfield Townships. The idea is to combine solar panels with sheep grazing
Grange Solar applied for approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) on October 11, 2024, to move forward with the project. This application will begin the next step in the approval process. See more about the project from Grange HERE and the OPSB HERE. See more about the opposition HERE.
On September 19, 2024, the Ohio Power Siting Board voted on the Fountain Point Solar Project, a plan to build a 280-megawatt solar farm on 2,800 acres in Bokescreek Township. Despite opposition from some local residents, including Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder, the project was approved by a 6-3 vote. Supporters, like Shayna Fritz from the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum, argue that solar energy gives farmers the chance to responsibly use their land while producing clean energy. However, many people are still concerned about the project’s environmental and economic effects. Find more about the Fountain Point Solar Project HERE.
The approval of the Fountain Point Solar Project could pave the way for the Grange Solar Grazing Center, which has already caused a lot of discussion in the Indian Lake area.
As the community waits for updates, residents continue to consider the potential benefits and challenges these large solar projects may bring.
