A renewable energy developer is proposing to construct a solar farm with 9,852 photovoltaic panels spanning 13.6 acres that will produce 4 MW of electricity in Enfield.
Avon-based Lodestar Energy LLC is seeking approval from the Connecticut Siting Council to build the energy-generating facility on three parcels on the east side of Raddia Road. Although the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission does not have jurisdiction, it was notified of the project during a meeting earlier this month.
The southwestern portion of the site contains a farm, which will not be affected by the project.
The project includes an electrical service connection from an existing Eversource distribution system along the west side of Raffia Road, and six new utility poles.
The maximum height of the panels will be 11 feet, according to the application. There would be no impact on wetlands.
Construction is expected to take six to nine months once permits are obtained, and the developer hopes to begin construction this spring.
Not only will the project produce electricity, it will produce no air emissions during operation and will contribute to carbon reduction, the developer’s petition to the Connecticut Siting Council says.
Because the project has a capacity of less than 65 MW, it can be approved by the Connecticut Siting Council by a declaratory ruling. The council received the petition Jan. 6 and the deadline for public comment is Feb. 5. The council has until March 7 to take action, and a deadline of July 5 to make a decision.
Lodestar develops renewable energy projects across New England, with more than 500 MW of capacity in its portfolio.
