New solar rules approved as Barnesville project takes shape

Forum file photo By Michael McGurran Today at 10:25 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? BARNESVILLE, Minn. — A major solar project near Barnesville has not yet broken ground, but it's already helping reshape the rules in Clay County. County commissioners have approved new restrictions on solar developments, including how close panels can be to neighboring homes. ADVERTISEMENT But will those rules actually apply to the project at the center of the debate? The proposed Buffalo Ridge Solar Project is still in development. Construction hasn't started, and the developer has yet to apply for state permits. But the project has already prompted a debate in Clay County over where solar panels should be allowed. For some rural residents, the concern isn't necessarily solar energy itself. It's what could end up right next door. "We live out in the country for cows and corn, not an industrial solar plant and glass and plastic and glare and whatever else," Cory Heng of Hawley, told commissioners at the Clay County Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10. "I think the residents that live around here should be protected." Contributed Doral Renewables is developing the proposed Buffalo Ridge Solar Project near Barnesville. And while that project is still in the planning stages, Clay County commissioners have approved new restrictions for solar developments. ADVERTISEMENT Among them is increasing the required distance between panels and homes not participating in a project from 200 to 300 feet. READ MORE BY MICHAEL MCGURRAN Concordia Theatre prepares for ‘A Chorus Line’ 4h ago Becker County voter's ballot misses deadline by a day as Senate race remains close 1d ago U.S. Supreme Court to consider North Dakota property rights dispute Monday 5d ago The ordinance also strengthens requirements for screening, drainage and eventually removing solar equipment. But commissioners say the rules need to work for more than just one project. "I just don't think that we should be making our decision based on a current proposal," County Commissioner Kevin Campbell said. "I think our plan needs to be on what is going to be good for all future proposals that come up, and how that might impact future neighbors and landowners." There's a catch. Larger solar projects fall under the authority of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. That means Clay County can ask the state to consider its new standards, but can't necessarily enforce them on a project like Buffalo Ridge. Doral Renewables is hosting a public open house about the project from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, at the Barnesville Event Center. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags BARNESVILLE CLAY COUNTY CLAY COUNTY COMMISSION SOLAR ENERGY CLEAN ENERGY CONSTRUCTION By Michael McGurran Mike McGurran has been a reporter and anchor at WDAY-TV since 2021. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Minnesota Junkyard Brewing faces uncertainty over THC products 38m ago · By Isak Dinesen Minnesota He missed graduation because he was fighting in Vietnam. Now, a diploma for Rick 3h ago · By Kevin Wallevand Minnesota 4 family members found in southeast Minnesota fire died from gunshot wounds 6h ago · By Staff reports ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Preps Plus: Region's athletes ink collegiate future on Signing Day 6h ago · By Andrew Haugland Moorhead Moorhead man accused in deadly shooting says he's ready for second trial 4h ago · By Matt Henson Minnesota Veteran’s lost wedding ring finds its way back to him in unusual manner 11h ago · By Dennis Doeden Women's Sports Bison women's basketball signs two North Dakotans, part of large 2027 signing class 11h ago · By Dom Izzo