Fox Squirrel Solar, a large-scale solar farm in Madison County, began operations of Phase 2 this month, increasing its capacity to 400 megawatts and making it the largest operational solar farm in Ohio.
Phase 1 of the operation, which began in January 2024, had a 150-megawatt capacity.
EDF Renewables and Enbridge are partners in developing Fox Squirrel Solar. The full generation capacity of the plant is contracted to Amazon.
Fox Squirrel Solar is the latest in a series of solar farms that have come online in Ohio. For example, Union Solar Farm in Marysville began operations on Dec. 26 and more solar projects are on the way.
On Dec. 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a grant to the Village of Pioneer to invest in a solar power generation facility.
Renewable generation is expanding rapidly in Ohio. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy generation through October 2024 had increased by 68% from the previous year, making up 5% of electric generation in the state.
Solar energy leads the growth in renewables. With 3,224 megawatts of installed solar capacity, Ohio ranks 14th among the 50 states, up from 32nd in 2022.
One factor in the state’s renewable growth is the adoption of policies in Cleveland and Cincinnati that aim for 100% renewable energy and a net-zero emissions future. These initiatives are expected to push Ohio toward greater reliance on renewable energy than is required by the state’s renewable portfolio standard.
Fox Squirrel Solar likely won’t hold the title of Ohio’s largest solar project for long. The Oak Run Solar project is currently under construction, having been approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board in March.
When completed, it will be an 800-megawatt facility with two 3.5-mile transmission lines and 300 megawatts of battery energy storage. It is also located in Madison County, in the Monroe, Somerford, and Deercreek townships.