Info session planned to discuss solar energy field in western Tippecanoe County

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Greenex wants to develop 1,200 acres of land generally described as south of Montmorenci and north of Indiana 26 into a solar energy field, according to information provided by people who live in the area.

The project is dubbed Rainbow Trout Solar, according to Greenex’s website, www.rainbowtroutsolar.com/project-info.

Greenex sent out fliers last week inviting residents in the area to attend an information session from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Innovation Room, 101 Foundry Drive in West Lafayette.

The Journal & Courier left voicemails for Jennifer Hartley, Greenex community relations, and Wayne DeLong, director of development. The Journal & Courier also sent two emails asking for a call to comment about the project. No one from the company has responded.

Greenex’s website claims that when the site is up and running in 2028, it will generate 120 megawatts of electricity, estimating it is enough to power 20,000 houses. Greenex claims the solar panels will preserve the farmland on which it is developed.

Neighbors in the area emailed the Journal & Courier expressing concern that a solar energy field might drive down property values. They also expressed frustration that Greenex is planning a solar field that will be there for 40 years and has not communicated with neighbors other than a mailed card inviting them to Wednesday’s meeting.

Greenex’s website indicates it planned to apply for the site in 2024.

Amanda Esposito, assistant director of the Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission, said their office is aware of the project, but nothing has been filed as of Monday to start the approval process.

A large-scale solar energy system, such as the proposed Rainbow Trout Solar project, will require special approval by the Tippecanoe County Board of Zoning Appeals during a public meeting, Esposito said.

The process to the BZA starts with Greenex filing its detailed plans with the Area Plan Commission, including how it plans to decommission the site when they shutter the operations, Esposito said.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will set the request for the project at a future public meeting after the plans are filed, and Greenex will have to advertise the meeting in the Journal & Courier as well as by posting signs at the proposed solar farm site, Esposito said.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Info session planned to discuss solar field near West Lafayette