Responsible Growth and Sustainable Revenue for Licking County

About Harvey Solar

Harvey is a fully-permitted 350 MW solar project located primarily in Hartford Township, Licking County, OH. The project will consist of thousands of interconnected solar modules mounted on racking affixed to steel pilings driven into the ground. Harvey is sited approximately 2,000 acres of land owned by dozens of area farming families.

Our team has worked closely with the community to ensure that benefits stay local and that community concerns are well addressed and mitigated. Whether providing funding to the local vocational school, supporting the new Northridge Stadium project, sponsoring the Hartford Fair, or working with neighbors on Project Participation Agreements, we are committed to making this project a major win for Hartford Township and Licking County.

We’ve thoughtfully incorporated setbacks, developed robust landscaping plans, and designed the project to mitigate concerns about aesthetics and to ensure the impacts our neighbors experience are positive ones! A commitment to pollinator habitat within the fence and avoiding sensitive habitat means reduced stormwater runoff, new habitat, and other important ecological services.

The Harvey Solar Project is being developed by Open Road Renewables. Open Road is a renewable energy company focused on development of utility-scale clean energy projects in the United States. Open Road’s highly experienced team is on a mission to make the promise of clean energy and economic security a reality for communities across the country.


Local Benefits Summary

Solar allows landowners to diversify their income, plan for retirement, or even put their kids through college while preserving the land for their future generations. Outside of the benefits to the participating landowners, there are benefits to the community from the increased tax revenue generated by the project, well-paying construction and long-term jobs, and the potential for increased local investment from companies looking to site facilities proximate to renewable energy facilities.

Revenue from Harvey will support the local tax jurisdictions where the Harvey is located. Harvey plans to apply for status as a Qualified Energy Project, which would mean it would pay an annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) of $9,000/MW, resulting in $3.1 million/yr to local taxing jurisdictions (more than 15x what is currently collected from the same acreage) and $126.0 million over the 40-year life of the project.

Aside from predictable revenue, the PILOT has many benefits to Licking County and local taxing jurisdictions including:

  • School Districts are “held harmless”, meaning that the increase in revenue due to Harvey will not affect the school finance formula. This revenue is additive to their budget.

  • 80% in-state labor requirement during construction

  • Road Use and Maintenance Agreement ensuring roads are kept in good shape during construction and returned to their previous condition

  • Support for local college or vocational school

  • Training and equipment for first responders


Minimal Impact

Modern solar farms consist of thousands of solar modules mounted on racking. The racking is mounted on steel posts driven into the soil without the use of poured concrete. Existing drainage is maintained and the entire site is planted with hardy, native grasses, even under the solar modules. Harvey is required to bond the project’s eventual decommissioning, allowing for adequate funding to return the site to its current agricultural condition.


Local Presence

Harvey Solar has maintained an office in Croton, Ohio for years - ensuring that we have a place to meet with folks as we continue to work to be part of the community. Say “hi” if you see us at Cave’s or send us a note if you’d like to schedule at time to come in!