The Frasier Solar Project

Frasier Solar is a fully-permitted 120 Megawatt (MW) solar project in Knox County, Ohio.

 

Frasier Solar is being developed by Open Road Renewables, a renewable energy company with extensive experience in Ohio.

Project Update

On June 26, 2025, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved the proposed Frasier Solar project, granting its Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need. Developed by Open Road Renewables, the 120 MW Frasier Solar project will be located in Clinton and Miller Townships and the City of Mount Vernon in Knox County. 

“We’re thrilled that Frasier Solar has received approval and is moving forward in Knox County,” said Craig Adair, Vice President, Development at Open Road Renewables. “This project reflects our deep commitment to working hand-in-hand with farmers, government officials, and the local community to deliver significant, long-lasting benefits. From new jobs to stable income for local farmers to millions in new revenue for Mount Vernon schools and county services, we’re proud to be a part of Knox County’s future and excited to help meet Ohio’s rapidly growing energy needs with reliable, homegrown power.”

The project will require 200+ construction workers, plus an additional 3-5 long-term employees during operation. Thanks to the PILOT agreement approved by the Knox County Board of Commissioners in 2023, once operational, the project will deliver up to $42.8 million in stable,  new revenue to the local community over the project’s lifetime, including up to $19.4 million to the Mount Vernon City School District.  Funds of up to $1.1 million per year will go to various Knox County taxing jurisdictions. The full breakdown is available here. 

Frasier Solar will use sheep grazing for vegetation management at the project site, ensuring the approximately 800 acre project area will remain in agricultural use while producing clean energy. The sheep grazing operation, through an agreement with Central Ohio-based New Slate Land Management, will create jobs for local sheep farmers and help preserve the agricultural heritage of Knox County.

The project will also help meet Ohio’s rapidly growing demand for electricity. Ohio’s grid operator has repeatedly warned of potential energy shortfalls due to inadequate energy generation to meet demand, largely driven by the increase in energy-intensive industries coming to the state. AEP expects power demand in central Ohio to double in the decade leading up to 2028. 

“We commend the OPSB for its rigorous evaluation of this project on its merits in the midst of an aggressive campaign carried out by shadowy corporate interests to spread vast amounts of misinformation about solar development in Knox County. Fortunately, the truth has prevailed.” continued Adair. 

Media coverage of the propaganda organization and misinformation campaign is available here:

What is a Solar Project?

We understand that most people first experience solar seeing it on a rooftop, next to a school, or as they drive past an installation along the highway.

Check out our Learning Center for frequently asked questions, state- or university-produced reference documents, and links to other well vetted information resources.

Frasier Solar will provide low-cost, emissions-free electricity to Ohio businesses and homeowners

Advances in technology, production techniques, and construction have made solar competitive with traditional energy sources in Ohio and across the USA. Solar creates jobs, increases local tax revenue, and supports regional manufacturing and economic development. Solar projects have a minimal environmental impact, create no emissions, are low profile and easily screened from view, and make virtually no noise. Frasier Solar will be a good neighbor and valuable contributor to the local economy.

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Dual Solar-Agricultural Use

Dual solar-agricultural land use is an important part of our commitment to partnering and working closely with farmers, landowners, and the Knox County community.

Frasier Solar recently signed a Letter of Intent with a local Knox County company that will produce a domestic agricultural export product on the same acreage as solar. Dual land use projects like Frasier provide the necessary land access to increase local sheep production, and contribute to growth of the sheep industry statewide.

This partnership will help preserve agricultural heritage and create local agricultural jobs.

Ohio Power Siting Board

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) oversees the permitting of energy generation projects of 50 MW or greater in size.

Frasier Solar submitted an application to the OPSB in October 2023. The application and associated materials are available here.

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