Folsom Lake Solar
Powering Opportunity in
Mills County
About Us
The Folsom Lake Solar Project is a proposed renewable energy initiative in the Missouri River bottomlands of Mills County.
Orion Renewable Energy Group began working on the project with our local landowner partners in 2021. This project is slated to generate up to 800 MW of clean, renewable energy that will support future local and regional economic growth.
Beyond energy production, the project will generate tens of millions in local property tax dollars, benefiting schools, emergency services, roads, and libraries. Additionally, participating farmers will gain a stable income source, helping them sustain their agricultural operations for future generations.
$36+
Million
In local tax contributions over 35 years of operations.
$3.15
Billion
Investment in Mills County.
800
MW
Enough electricity to power ~144,000 avg. Iowa homes annually.
The solar & battery storage project
Designed with environmental conservation
in mind.
In accordance with Mills County ordinance requirements, and in alignment with the Mills County pollinator scorecard, the project incorporates pollinator habitat, which will enhance soil health for future agricultural use and help reduce soil erosion and water runoff. Landscaping will also be installed and maintained by the project to complement the local area.
Wildlife corridors between fenced portions of the project will allow deer and other large animals to pass through the area freely, while openings along the base of the perimeter fence will allow small animals to freely enter and exit.
Once operations conclude, the project's facilities will be removed, and the land will be restored for agricultural use, as required by the county ordinance and agreements with landowners. To ensure that the financial resources to remove the project facilities are available under any scenario, the project is proposing financial security for the estimated removal cost to remain in place from the start of construction - a decade prior to county requirements - through the removal of the project.
This Project Will Provide
Long-term Benefits to Local Communities, Including:
Extensive property tax contributions.
Stable revenues for participating landowners
to keep their farms thriving for future generations.
Improved soil quality from pollinator-friendly ground cover.
Good paying, long-term jobs based in the community.
Long-term partnerships with community organizations
that benefit everyone.
Hundreds of
construction jobs.
More information will continue to be added to this website as the project development process progresses. Here is an overview map of the developable area for project facilities.
Local Families Support Solar
Local Community Fund
Orion partnered with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa to establish the Folsom Lake Solar Community Fund, which will provide millions of dollars to initiatives in Mills County over the life of the project.
The project will make annual contributions based on the installed capacity, from a minimum of $200,000 up to $500,000 per year with grants selected by a committee of Mills County residents.
Mills County Community Partnerships
We are committed to being a good neighbor in Mills County and have donated over $60,000 to support the following local partnerships:
- An expansion of Golden Hills Resource Conservation’s native plant program
- Updated vehicle electronic equipment for Oak Township Fire & Rescue
- Rope rescue equipment for Glenwood Fire & Rescue
- A community mural project with the Pacific Junction Model Railroad Club
- Lead sponsor for Glenwood’s 250th Fourth of July celebration
- Silver City’s youth council playground park renovation
- Youth scholarships at the local YMCA
- An ongoing community mural project with local artists (click here to join our workshops at the Malvern public library!)
- Donation to the Henderson Activities Committee accessible playground.
Orion’s Solar
Neighbor Program
Orion wants to share the economic benefits of the project directly with the project’s neighbors. Our Solar Neighbor Program (SNP) offers annual payments to owners of residences within 1/3 a mile from the project that are not owned by a participating landowner.
Payments begin at the start of construction and continue throughout the lifetime of the project. The SNP is completely voluntary and those who participate are under no obligation to the project.
Do You Have Any Questions or Comments for Our Team?
Reach out via email or phone and we will follow up within 72 hours.
Email:
[email protected]Phone:
(510) 338-4387