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MADISON COUNTY, Alabama — The Huntsville City Council has unanimously approved a lease agreement that will bring a large solar farm to Madison County.
The development will be built off Wall Triana Highway on roughly 240 acres of land, according to Huntsville Utilities. Officials say the site will host a 40-megawatt solar project designed to serve local customers.
The project will be overseen by Huntsville Utilities and developed by Gemini, the same company behind the Toyota solar farm.
“That one is a 30-megawatt project, so this will be a little larger. But it should be a really good project for the community and for our customers and all the residents of Madison County,” said Huntsville Utilities Chief Operating Officer Chris Jones said the project will become the largest solar farm in North Alabama once completed.
Jones added that it is expected to reduce costs for customers by allowing the utility to purchase solar energy at lower rates than those offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
“This will come at a lower cost than what we pay TVA for the energy, so that will be one benefit. It also helps reduce our peak demand, which lowers the amount of money we have to pay TVA and our monthly power bill,” Jones said.
District 4 City Councilmember Bill Kling said the project reflects a collaborative effort among local leaders to meet growing energy demands.
“Instead of us being capped off here, we’re getting innovative. We’re finding new sources of energy and again, city, county, Huntsville Utilities all working together to make this happen. So that, as we continue to grow, there will be available energy for us in the future.”
Kling added that the project will help expand renewable energy production as solar technology continues to evolve.
The Madison County Commission also considered legislation for the project and has given its approval.
