More than 4,300 solar arrays situated on about 15 acres north of Lanesville is capable of generating enough electricity to power about 150 homes annually. Harrison REMC worked alongside Hoosier Energy to open the solar farm. Photo by Alan Stewart
More than 4,300 solar arrays situated on about 15 acres north of Lanesville is capable of generating enough electricity to power about 150 homes annually. Harrison REMC worked alongside Hoosier Energy to open the solar farm. Photo by Alan Stewart
Though sunshine was in short supply last Wednesday, officials from Harrison REMC and Hoosier Energy officially dedicated a new solar farm near Interstate 64.

The 4,320-panel array is situated on about 15 acres and is capable of generating enough electricity to power about 150 homes annually. Harrison REMC worked alongside Hoosier Energy, the electric cooperative's power supplier, to identify a prime location in the county for the array, which is a $2.8 million project.

The site north of Lanesville is the third of five being constructed this year, with another five solar farms set to be built next year. The other sites currently under construction are in New Castle, which is about two weeks away from completion, and in Crane near I-69. The other sites will be at the Dale interchange at I-64 and S.R. 231, and a site to be determined in the northern part of Clark County. By design, each of the sites will generate one megawatt of electricity.

"We considered a number of potential sites for this facility, and I'm very pleased we are able to build it here. This location is the gateway to Harrison County. I think solar farm will communicate a positive message about Harrison County and the Lanesville community," David Lett, CEO of Harrison REMC, said. "It's highly visible from Interstate 64, the project helps put Harrison County on the map as a leader in alternative energy and economic development and I know the Lanesville interchange has a bright future and this solar farm will only add to its development. For me, the benefits for the community are enormous, and I'd like to say I couldn't be prouder of this project. After all, why wouldn't you put a solar farm on the sunny side of Louisville?"