BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) – The Alabama Public Service Commission has approved plans for two large solar farms in north Baldwin County that will help power a Meta AI data center under construction in Montgomery.
The commission issued an approval order during its Nov. 12 meeting for Alabama Power to build the solar facilities. Meta is funding it. Silicon Ranch will build it and sell electricity to Alabama Power.
Property spans more than 4,500 acres
The land is owned by Stockton I-65 LLC. Baldwin County Probate Court parcel maps show total ownership of more than 4,500 acres in the area.
A spokesperson for Silicon Ranch said the overall footprint of the solar fields will take up about 2,000 of the total acreage. The additional 2,500 acres may encompass wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.
County has no authority over un-zoned development
Many residents have questioned how the development was approved without public knowledge and what can be done at the county level.
The Baldwin County Commission posted a statement on its Facebook page reminding residents that the property is unincorporated and un-zoned. The commission has no legal authority to approve or deny this type of private development and does not select the site or dictate its use in un-zoned areas.
Concerns about potential issues with mitigating wetlands, endangered or threatened species or other environmentally sensitive conflicts could be directed to the EPA, ADEM or state representatives. The County Commission will still need to approve a site plan and any building permits on the property.
Silicon Ranch said they will begin building sometime in 2027 and will be a long-term landowner with the solar farm’s lifespan expected to be at least 25 years. They are in the process of putting together a dedicated website for the Baldwin County facility.
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