LOUISA COUNTY, Iowa (KWQC) – A proposed large-scale solar project in Louisa County has hit a roadblock after county officials voted against a key permit needed for the development.
The Louisa County Board of Adjustment voted 4-1 Tuesday to deny a special use permit for the Southpaw Solar project.
Developer Ranger Power proposed the project across roughly 3,500 acres in Louisa County. The proposal drew opposition from some people living near the planned development, with concerns ranging from the use of agricultural land to the project’s proximity to homes.
Katie Lawrence, a Louisa County resident who opposed the project, said protecting productive farmland was among residents’ biggest concerns.
“Our main focus was on keeping good ground, farm ground. It’s something we have a finite resource for,” Lawrence said. “Development is taking up so much of it that we have to protect the good stuff that’s still here.”
Lawrence said some residents were also concerned about how the project could change the area surrounding their homes.
“Most of us, it hinged on the fact that our houses were gonna be surrounded by solar panels,” Lawrence said. “Most of us, myself excluded, were gonna be surrounded on at least three and sometimes all four sides of our entire properties.”
In a statement to KWQC, Southpaw Solar said it remains committed to working with Louisa County leaders, landowners and residents as it considers what comes next.
“Southpaw Solar remains dedicated to working alongside Louisa County leaders, landowners and residents as we evaluate the path ahead,” the company said. “We believe successful projects are built through local partnership and a shared commitment to the community’s future.”
The company said the proposed project would represent a potential $1.2 billion investment in Louisa County and include up to 450 megawatts of solar generation and energy storage. Southpaw Solar also estimates the project would generate more than $20 million in cumulative tax revenue to support local services.
Southpaw Solar said it has also begun planning and carrying out several community initiatives benefiting project neighbors and nearby communities, including Letts, Fredonia and Columbus Junction. The company pointed to its investment in the Louisa County Multi-Purpose Barn as one example of that work.
“We look forward to continuing a constructive and open conversation with local stakeholders,” the company said.
The Board of Adjustment’s decision prevents the project from moving forward under the requested permit for now. Southpaw Solar did not say in its statement whether it plans to appeal or otherwise challenge the decision.
KWQC has also reached out to Louisa County for comment.
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