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The Ligonier Township Supervisors have given a unanimous nod to a conditional permit for a new solar farm proposed by SunVest Solar on Springer Road. This approval hinges on specific conditions, notably the developer agreeing to plant a buffer zone and coordinating emergency response plans with local first responders. Bill French, SunVest’s regional director of project development, described the permit as a crucial initial step in what he anticipates will be a lengthy process. He expressed satisfaction with the supervisors' favorable vote and noted that the company will carefully review all stipulations before moving forward.
SunVest, an Illinois-based company, aims to install a 3-megawatt solar array on roughly half of a 37-acre portion of Michael Becer’s farm, located about a mile from Ligonier Valley High School. The lease for the land is initially set for five years. The planned solar setup is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 450 homes, with the energy to be sold to FirstEnergy, a local utility provider. At the meeting, there were few attendees and no vocal opposition, though concerns were raised earlier by Thomas Becer, cousin to Michael Becer and a neighbor across the road. Thomas argued the solar panels would spoil the view from his property and potentially reduce its value.
To address these worries, the supervisors required a "viewshed" study to assess the visual impact and mandated vegetative buffers to help soften the visual effect of the solar installation. Furthermore, SunVest must notify the township within 20 days if glare from the panels becomes an issue that could impact Thomas Becer’s property, contradicting the company’s current assertion that glare won’t be a problem. Other permit conditions focus on ensuring safety and emergency preparedness. SunVest is obligated to train local firefighters in responding to incidents at the site at least every five years. The site must have clear signage on the locked gate, including emergency contact info, a site layout map, shutoff switch locations, and warnings about potential hazards.
Pat McDowell, Ligonier Township's emergency management coordinator, said the training requirements align with what he'd expect, noting that the frequency of training might adjust based on personnel changes. French assured that the solar array will be remotely monitored and can be shut down instantly if any issues arise. He also emphasized the low risk of fire, pointing out the site won’t have structures or combustible materials. Another requirement is maintaining a minimum 15-foot space between the solar panels and an 8-foot security fence.
The developer must also post a bond to cover costs related to decommissioning the solar array, with the bond amount reviewed every five years. According to a related findings document by township Solicitor Dan Hudock, the solar farm will be accessed via a 16-foot-wide road and will be set back at least 100 feet from Springer Road and neighboring property lines. Parking for two to four vehicles will be provided inside the fenced area, and solar panels will be arranged in rows spaced about 20 feet apart.
French mentioned that SunVest still needs to secure several other permits, including those for construction and stormwater management, and submit a detailed site development plan. The township’s planning commission recommended the conditional permit 3-1-1, marking the first proposed solar array in Ligonier Township. Meanwhile, the planning board is expected to revisit local solar farm regulations, potentially altering setback rules and adjusting zoning district allowances. Presently, solar arrays can only be proposed in agricultural or industrial zones.
Jeff Himler, a TribLive reporter with decades of experience covering the region, reported on these developments, highlighting their significance within local infrastructure and community planning.
