Residents of Stark County held a fundraiser at Marlington High School in Alliance on Sunday to support their efforts to stop the proposed Stark County Solar farm in Washington Township. The fundraiser was part of their preparation for an August 5 Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) public hearing on the project.
“We did well on the fundraiser and raised almost $4,600,” said Tina Glass, organizer of the Solar Free Stark group that opposes the solar farm. “Had a lot of people show up for support and information.”
Rhonda Griffin also attended the event. “Thanks to everyone that showed up and supported us. What a wonderful time we had raising funds and awareness for Solar Free Star,” she posted on Facebook. “Now we need to dig our heels in and say it loud and proud on August 5 to let the … sitting board know we do not want the large scale solar project in Washington Township, Stark County!!!”
According to its website, “Stark Solar is a proposed utility-scale solar energy system of up to 150-megawatt alternating current (MWAC) generation capacity and a battery energy storage system.” It is one of many solar farms that are proposed or have recently begun operations in Ohio.
The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that commercial solar facilities in Ohio have 2,822 megawatts installed. This is up from 1,300 megawatts last June. The state ranks 15th in installed solar capacity, up from 32nd in 2022.
Glass is one of many Stark County residents with multiple concerns about commercial solar coming into their area, many of them about the effects of solar on the environment.
“I have approximately 80 acres of wetlands. This will also be in the middle of the Solar project,” Glass said. “I have concerns that the wildlife is going to be severely affected by the panels and fencing that will almost surround it. There are concerns with the tiling that will be broke and with the water that will be distributed differently.”
Residents and Stark County officials are using the OPSB hearing to make their concerns heard by the state. Many have already filed comments with the board.
A resolution filed by the Board of Stark County Commissioners said, “the construction and operation of the Facility would be incompatible with the general health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Stark County, and therefore would not serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity of the residents of the County or the State of Ohio.”
The OSPB meeting will be held August 5 at 5 p.m. at Marlington High School in Alliance.