ST. PAUL, Minn. – The state Public Utilities Commission voted 4-0 to approve construction of a 1,500-acre solar energy farm south of U.S. Highway 14 near Byron. The decision was a setback for officials of Dodge County and Canisteo Township, which expressed concern about the loss of high-quality farmland. The owner, EDF Renewables, now is clear to acquiree property. The $256 million array will pump 200 megawatts into the southern Minnesota power grid. Construction could start in 2024 with the first generation of power in 2025.
Headwaters. Site at headwaters of Zumbro River tributaries.
How big is big?
One measure to compare solar farms is acreage. Other measures include the number of solar panels and the power output. For what it’s worth these are the largest by acreage:
> Global: Shadla Solar Park near Jodhpur in Rajasthan,14,000 acres.
> United States: Ivanpoh Solar Farm at Clark Mountain near the California-Nevada border, 9,600 acres.