BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) – The company behind a controversial solar farm in north Baldwin County says it’s committed to the project and moving forward.
Silicon Ranch executives spent nearly four hours with north Baldwin residents Wednesday night. Thursday, they traveled and reflected on what they’d heard. They said they hope residents heard them too.
“We’re buying the land. We’re under contract. We’ve issued notice to close. We have a contract with Alabama Power to deliver 260 megawatts by the end of 2028. The project was approved by the Public Service Commission and we have obligations that we have to honor,” said Matt Beasley, chief commercial officer at Silicon Ranch.
Public meeting draws large crowd
More than 180 people turned out for a protest and the public meeting that followed Wednesday. Dozens had questions ranging from land management during the construction process to buffer zones and wildlife corridors. Silicon Ranch president and co-founder Reagan Farr stayed to answer all of them.
One resident asked about the project’s purpose. Farr said the company sells power and renewable energy certificates to Alabama Power, which can use the renewable energy credits as it chooses.
Another resident asked about local jobs. Farr said once the array is built, it will function as an agricultural operation with shepherds and agrivoltaic technicians onsite, but in smaller numbers. Agrivoltaic technicians manage the land and vegetation around solar panels.
By the end of the meeting, one thing was clear. Silicon Ranch is committed to this project. Company officials said their timeline will keep them on track to avoid any injunctions or moratoriums.
“What we’re focused on right now is finalizing a design that applies the learnings and takeaways from our studies and reviews so that we know where we’re building and importantly, we know where we’re not and yes, we’re going to file the application when we are ready to be able to continue to stay on course,” Beasley said.
Not everyone left the meeting feeling reassured. One resident said they felt worse after the meeting. Another said they had understood the land purchase was not final, but learned it was a done deal.
The Baldwin County Commission passed a resolution Tuesday, approving a referendum to establish zoning in Planning District 3. That’s created a tighter timeline for Silicon Ranch to turn in applications for building permits. They’ll need to do that within the 90-day period the probate office has to hold the special election. Otherwise, a no vote could put the development on hold.
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