Solar Farm in Lebanon Under Construction
Above is the solar farm, currently under construction at 10057 State Rt. 4
By Zachary Daum
Earlier this year, construction began on a new solar farm just outside of Lebanon, a project spearheaded by Pivot Energy in partnership with St. Paul United Church of Christ. The initiative, spanning 90 acres, is expected to reach completion by late fall or early winter, marking a significant milestone in the community’s push toward renewable energy.
Mike Koebel, the council president of St. Paul United Church of Christ, detailed the origins and progress of the project in a recent interview. According to Koebel, the land for the solar farm was bequeathed to the church by Harvey Pistor, a long-time member who left the property as a final donation. “Since we own the property, Pivot Energy had to deal through us,” Koebel explained. The company, known for developing smaller solar farms typically between 20 to 30 acres, identified the location as ideal due to its proximity to existing energy lines, which facilitate the direct flow of generated electricity into the local grid.
Pivot Energy approached the church with their proposal a few years ago, initiating a multi-year process that involved obtaining a special use permit from the St. Clair County Zoning Commission. This permit required public hearings where community members could voice their opinions. Despite general support, there was one objection from a county board member concerned about losing potential commercial development space. Koebel addressed this, stating, “The church has had nobody contact us about commercial use of the land since we inherited it, and there is no commercial development planned for the west side.”
Once operational, the solar farm is anticipated to provide a reduction in energy costs for Lebanon residents, potentially lowering bills by up to 10%. This benefit aligns with Pivot Energy’s stated committment to making renewable energy accessible and affordable for local communities. The energy generated by the farm will be fed directly into the town’s energy lines, ensuring a seamless integration with the existing infrastructure.
To address aesthetic and environmental concerns, the solar farm will be surrounded by fencing and shrubbery, ensuring it remains discreet and visually appealing. “They will have its fenced in so that, you know, the local people don’t notice it,” Koebel mentioned. Maintenance responsibilities, including mowing, will be managed by Pivot Energy, who are also required by state regulations to post a bond ensuring the site’s eventual decommissioning and restoration.
The successful completion of this project will not only contribute to local sustainability efforts but also set a precedent for future renewable energy initiatives in the region.
For the church, this project represents a meaningful way to honor Harvey Pistor’s legacy while contributing to the greater good of the community. Koebel reflected on the process, noting, “On the whole, it’s been a fairly good experience.”
Fantastic