Project summary

Cepheus Energy Project, LLC is proposing the Cepheus Solar Project, a 76-megawatt dc (65-megawatt ac) solar facility on approximately 500 acres of privately-owned land in Delaware Township within Defiance County, Ohio.

Cepheus Solar will provide a stable, long-term economic benefit to the Sherwood area.

Economic benefits:

• The project is expected to pay approximately $500,000 into the tax base annually, benefiting Central Local School District, Delaware Township, the Village of Sherwood, Defiance County, Four County Joint Vocational School and Four County Community Health.

• The project is expected to create 100-150 construction jobs (during peak construction).

• Of the $20 Million in revenue Cepheus Solar expects to add to the tax base over the life of the project, approximately $10 Million is expected to be paid to the Fairview Local School District. Additionally, an estimated total of $4 Million is expected to be paid across Delaware Township and Four County JVSD over the expected life of the project.

Health/visual concerns:

• There are no harmful pollutants or negative health impacts. Check out our FAQ section and read the NC State Clean Energy Technology Center report for more information.

• Trees and bushes will be planted as a vegetative buffer to reduce views of the solar farm.

Environmental commitment:

• We plant perennial plants which increase soil stability, improve infiltration, and help promote biodiversity

• Solar energy reduces emissions and impacts from power generation as compared to more traditional power plants

The energy generated at Cepheus Solar will deliver power to the 138 kV Lockwood Road substation. Cepheus Solar is expected to generate approximately 143,830 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each year. The solar-powered electricity generated will deliver clean, renewable electricity to the Ohio bulk power transmission system to serve the needs of electric utilities and their customers.

Questions

For more information on health concerns, construction and other frequently asked questions, please visit FAQs.

For links to research reports on economic development in Ohio and health concerns please visit Resources.

Schedule

Acquisition of land and land rights began in 2019 was completed in the 2021. During this time, outreach was conducted to landowners and community leaders throughout the Project vicinity.

A public information meeting was held on June 2, 2021 to facilitate public interaction with the Applicant and expert consultants. It included information on the Applicant; the Project’s location, size, and the supporting rationale; the types of studies and due diligence that will be conducted by Cepheus Energy; the Ohio Power Siting Board’s review and certification process; the expected timeline of the Project and construction process; and responses to any questions submitted by the public prior to the meeting. Comments can be submitted on the Public Meeting page. A teleconference and a virtual meeting were held on June 2, 2021. View a recording of the presentation here.

Final designs will be completed and construction is anticipated to begin in 2022 and be completed within 7 months, at which point Cepheus Solar will be placed in service. 

Go to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) page for more information.