Solar farm could occupy 1,000 acres one mile east of Grant
By Samantha Goff
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
A 1,000 acre solar farm project one mile to the east of Grant is in the permitting stages in Perkins County.
Lightsource bp representatives were present at the June 30 Commissioners meeting regarding the moratorium and landfill project.
However, during that meeting, they also passed out an information packet, including a map of their new plans for a solar project to the commissioners.
On that same day, Lightsource bp did apply for and pay the fees for a conditional use permit for the 1,000 acre solar farm project.
The project would take place both on the north and south side of Highway 61, roughly one mile east of Grant. The map supplied to the commissioners indicates land owned by Marvin Stumpf, Jim and Star Kemling and potentially that of Ted Teitjen would be leased for use.
One homeowner, Shelby Day, whose new residential property on the North side of Highway 23 stands to be basically surrounded by the solar farms, was present at the July 7 Commissioners meeting in opposition of the project.
For now, the conditional use permit is being sent on to the Perkins County Zoning and Planning Commission for recommendations and conditions before sending it on to the commissioners, who have the final input on conditions and approval. While the commissioners are not opposed to green or solar energy, the general consensus is that the location of the project is less than desirable.
The issue will be discussed at the next Zoning and Planning meeting on August 11 at 7 p.m. at the Perkins County Courthouse on the third floor.
Why They Say It’s a Good Thing
According to the Lightsource BP website, leasing land for solar energy is a smart, long-term financial decision for landowners. It provides stable income, supports local communities, and preserves farmland—all while contributing to clean energy and environmental sustainability. Lightsource bp positions itself as a trusted, community-focused partner that respects local needs and farming practices.
• Lightsource bp aims to build public trust and attract more landowners by emphasizing:
• Financial benefits: Reliable, higher-than-average lease payments for decades to landowners.
• Community pride: Local tax revenues support schools and services.
• Minimal disruption: Quiet, low-profile solar farms that blend into rural landscapes.
• Environmental responsibility: Encourages biodiversity, land preservation, and clean energy.
• Partnership approach: They present themselves as thoughtful, experienced collaborators, not corporate outsiders.
• In short, they want to make solar leasing sound like a win-win for both landowners and the planet—low risk, high reward, and socially responsible.
The downsides of solar farms
• Loss of Productive Farmland: Leasing land for solar can take agriculturally productive land out of use for decades.
Even if dual-use (like grazing or pollinator gardens) is possible, it’s rarely equivalent to the productivity of crops or large-scale livestock operations.
• Environmental Impact During Construction: The construction phase can involve land clearing, soil compaction, and disruption of local wildlife habitats Access roads, fencing, and grading may alter drainage or contribute to erosion.
• Visual and Aesthetic Concerns - Some community members may object to the visual impact of large solar arrays, especially in scenic rural or residential areas. There’s also light glare, though newer panels minimize this.
• Limited Local Job Creation - Solar farms require many workers during construction, but very few for long-term operation, so the economic benefit to the local workforce may be temporary.
• End-of-Life and Decommissioning Issues - Many solar panels last 25–35 years, but there are still unresolved challenges around recycling and disposing of old panels, which contain materials that could be hazardous if not handled properly. Decommissioning and restoring land to its previous state can be costly and complex—especially if the company is no longer in business.
• Energy Grid Limitations - In some areas, the local grid can’t handle new renewable input without expensive upgrades, which might fall on taxpayers or ratepayers.
• Foreign Dependence for Materials - Most solar panels are made using materials mined or manufactured abroad, sometimes under environmentally or ethically questionable conditions, which can conflict with the “clean” energy narrative.
• Speculative Land Leasing - As solar becomes more profitable, some developers lock up large tracts of land without guarantees of ever building a project—leaving landowners tied up and uncertain.