Ohio Greenlights 120-MW Frasier Solar Agrivoltaic Project in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY, OH — The Ohio Power Siting Board has approved construction of the 120-megawatt Frasier Solar project, an agrivoltaic facility that will combine clean energy generation with sustainable land use practices. The project will be located across approximately 840 acres in Clinton and Miller townships.

“Today’s approval of the Frasier Solar project is a transformative moment for Knox County and for Ohio’s clean energy future,” said Karin Nordstrom, clean energy attorney with the Ohio Environmental Council. “The Ohio Power Siting Board’s decision comes at a time of increasing demand on the grid and concerns from Ohio’s leaders about adequate energy generation in the state.”

Developed, engineered, constructed, and operated by Open Road Renewables, the Frasier Solar project was first proposed to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in October 2023. It will use single-axis solar tracker technology, allowing the panels to follow the sun for optimal efficiency. Alongside the solar array, the project includes utility infrastructure improvements like new transmission lines and access roads.

A key feature of the Frasier Solar project is its agrivoltaic design. The site will incorporate sheep grazing and native plantings beneath and around the solar panels, supporting biodiversity and agricultural use alongside clean energy production. This approach can increase land productivity while providing long-term environmental and community benefits.

“Through projects like Frasier Solar, Ohio is taking a bold step toward reducing air pollution and combating climate change, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come,” Nordstrom added.

Local officials expect the project to generate significant investments into schools, roads, and public services through construction-related spending and long-term tax revenue.

• Agrivoltaics in Practice: Agrivoltaic projects like Frasier represent a growing trend in solar development, where land is used both for agriculture and renewable energy, improving efficiency and local acceptance.
• Job Creation: The construction phase is expected to create dozens of temporary jobs, with long-term operations support adding to the regional workforce in maintenance and land management roles.
• Biodiversity Benefits: The use of native plant species can improve soil health, reduce erosion, support pollinator habitats, and create a natural buffer around the solar installation.
• Energy Grid Support: As Ohio faces increased power demands and aging fossil fuel infrastructure, projects like Frasier provide critical new capacity to stabilize the grid with clean energy.
• Siting Strategy: Knox County's mix of open farmland and proximity to transmission infrastructure made it a strategic location for this large-scale solar development.

Originally reported by Billy Ludt in Solar Power World.