Ohio Power Siting Board Approves Build for 110 MW Solar Facility in Defiance County
Today marks an exciting milestone for Candela Renewables and the local community of Defiance County: the Ohio Power Siting Board has approved our application to construct and operate the 110 MW Mark Center Solar Project.
Located in Mark Township, the Mark Center Solar Project will diversify the local economy and stimulate growth by creating approximately 168 family wage construction jobs and the project’s estimated construction expenditures of approximately $11.5 million in the county. Prior to the start of construction, Candela will hold local job fairs and make every effort to hire qualified workers from Defiance County.
In addition to job opportunities, our Mark Center Solar Project will fortify the local tax base by generating $23 million for local schools and other entities in Defiance County during the project’s 30-year life as well as a one-time Compensation Payment to the County General Fund of up to $1.6 million depending on the final nameplate capacity of the project. Pursuant to a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement approved by Defiance County leadership, the Mark Center Solar Project will pay $770,000 annually over the lifetime of the project, over 50% of which will be directed to local education. We are particularly excited to provide this support for the next generation of Ohioans in Defiance County.
In addition to jobs and direct economic benefits, construction of the project will generate indirect value through supply chain, subcontracting and patronage of local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, stores and gas stations by our workforce.
The Mark Center Solar Project will use state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic technology to convert sunlight into electricity, providing enough clean energy to meet the annual energy needs of 23,000 average Ohio homes. Candela’s project design and construction techniques will conserve soil values and ensure that existing tile systems remain intact to preserve drainage on the project site. We will also put a decommissioning bond in place to ensure that at the end of the project’s useful life, all panels and infrastructure will be removed and the property returned to its original condition.
Sited near the intersection of Fountain Street Road and Williams Center Cecil Road, the project is slated to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2022. For more information about the project and latest updates, please visit: https://www.markcentersolarproject.com.
We look forward to working with the folks of Defiance County and bringing the benefits of solar energy to more Ohioans.
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