A community meeting was held at the Galilean House of Worship in Axton on March 11, where Ameresco representatives discussed their plan to construct a 5 MW solar facility on Jones Ridge Road.
Many residents expressed concerns about the project’s impact on noise levels, aesthetics, and property values.
The proposed solar farm would be located in fields near an old airstrip, with thick foliage surrounding the site to provide screening. The solar panels would connect to a nearby power line, and the generated electricity would be sold through the Shared Solar Program.
Some of the residents that have property next to the location questioned the developers about acreage, and whether the Axton Solar Project negated plans to build due to the county’s limit for the number of acres available for solar farm development.
“It’s open, there’s not a ton of trees to clear, and it’s well-screened from the road,” said Project Manager Tom Holt, adding that Appalachian Power’s solar program was a key factor in Ameresco’s decision to pursue the project.
One resident expressed worry about possible contamination of local wells.
“I wonder if things will leak into our wells,” the resident said.
Senior Vice President Jonathan Mancini assured attendees that the facility would use vegetable oil, which reduces fire risks and is environmentally safer. He also stated that Ameresco would be liable for any contamination.
“We are a publicly traded company,” Mancini said.
Despite these assurances, residents remained opposed to the project.
“We are going to be against it,” one community member said.
Many expressed concerns about their health, privacy, and peace, and did not feel they would benefit from the project. The company proposed planting trees to block their potential neighbors’ view.
“It’s going to be an eyesore,” an adjacent landowner said.
The company committed to minimizing noise by placing inverters as far from residential areas as possible and hiring local electricians and vegetation experts for ongoing site maintenance.
“We try to pull from the local labor pool,” Holt said.
In an attempt to ease concerns, Ameresco proposed planting trees to block the view of the solar panels from neighboring properties.
Holt acknowledged that the project faces uncertain approval but emphasized that Ameresco is listening to public feedback.
“I have no idea what the chance of success is, but we are doing this to hear people’s feedback,” he said.
Even if opposition continues, the company plans to work with residents to address concerns through measures like landscaping plans and further community engagement.
Mancini defended the project, arguing that it would have minimal visual impact and provide economic benefits to the community.
“This is a very small installation. Visually, there is no impact, or if there is any, we are happy to do a landscaping plan. We are set back 100 feet, and we think it’s a good project because it’s community solar, it benefits residents, and we will pay taxes to the economy,” Mancini said.
The 16-acre project will be the only solar installation in the area, as Ameresco holds exclusive development rights.
The site is zoned for agriculture, meaning the company will need a special use permit to proceed. Ameresco is leasing the land rather than purchasing it outright.
The solar farm would have an operational lifespan of 25 years. If the project is abandoned, Ameresco would be responsible for site cleanup.
If approved at a future Planning Commission meeting, construction is expected to take more than a year, with an estimated completion date in spring 2026.
