ORLEANS, New York (WWNY) – A solar project capable of producing 119 megawatts of energy is slated to come to the towns of Orleans and Clayton.
“This is a large project. It encompasses 1,200 acres and about 800 acres of panels, so it’s a biggie,” said Lee Shimel, Orleans zoning officer.
The solar project is set to be located just south of LaFargeville and slightly into the town of Clayton. It is projected to produce 119 megawatts by 2028 and create 150 construction jobs. The project is large enough that the state has already approved it to continue.
“The state wants these things up and running so quick, taking out local input and stuff, which we’re the people that have to live with these projects,” Shimel said.
No one commented at a public hearing held Thursday virtually.
Shimel said the land isn’t exactly grade A agricultural land. It’s mostly used for hay. He said he’s more concerned with blocking the view of the solar panels with trees, otherwise known as screening.
“There’s the panels now, and what it’s supposed to look like,” Shimel said, showing renderings. “I think we need to look at some type of a hybrid poplar or willow that’s very fast-growing and screen these projects much quicker.”
Shimel said the town will get financial compensation for the project. He doesn’t know what that will look like yet, but he said parent company AES has been cooperative.
“Very good to work with. The project manager, he’d call several times and I had an open line on things,” Shimel said.
AES has other solar projects in the works near Carthage and Chaumont.
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