Avangrid, a sustainable energy company, has successfully installed the first row of solar panels at its 202 MWdc Powell Creek Solar Project in Putnam County, Ohio. Known as the "Golden Row," this first row of more than 1,000 panels will be used as a model to guide the rest of the construction process.
“I am excited to see that work at our Powell Creek solar project is off to a great start. This is a milestone worth celebrating because it will set the tone for the rest of our construction,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO.
Sitting on land leased directly from landowners, Powell Creek will ultimately have about 300,000 solar panels that will generate enough energy to power more than 30,000 homes annually. The project is supporting up to 400 jobs during construction, most of which are locals.
Powell Creek will also directly support the local community through property tax and landowner payments. Additionally, the nearby town of Miller City has also annexed the project area, allowing it to receive revenues that will support the construction of a new sewer line, allowing the city to add new homes and other developments.
“We’ve been trying to do this for a long time,” said Miller City Mayor Jim Erford. “With Powell Creek, we are projected to expand our tax base by ten times and grow our town for the first time in many years."
The Powell Creek Solar Project is Avangrid's second renewable energy project in Ohio. It joins the Blue Creek Wind Farm, which features a 304 MW capacity - enough energy to power about 76,000 homes each year.
