Stephens Co. Commission Addresses Issue with Solar Farm

One of the issues at Tuesday’s Stephens County Commission meeting was a request from United Renewable Energy, Inc. for variances to build another Solar Farm on Turner Road. The Stephens County Planning Commission had not approved the request due to a problem with homeowner Glenn Shirley, whose home has been damaged due to the Solar Farm built in 2014.

Amber Penland of United Renewable Energy, Inc. addressed the complaint.

“That project was constructed in 2014. At the time there was no zoning,” said Penland. “The owner of the project, equipment and fence is a company called Sun Edison and there was direct communication in regards to the complaint, but I believe there is not currently an open citation. That was pulled last summer.”

The pulled citation was confirmed by the County Marshall.

Penland said that the tenant attempted to grow trees as a buffer, but was unsuccessful. Jim Cornwell spoke on behalf of Glenn Shirley.

“What I’ve heard from them is it’s Mr. Shirley’s fault or the tenants fault because they didn’t do something and that’s just not the truth,” said Cornwell. “If you have been to that man’s house you will see the vinyl on his house that is buckling because there is so much heat from the Solar Farm. And the notion that you can grow trees as a buffer between the Solar farm and his home is ludicrous, you can’t do it.”

Stephens County Commissioner Stanley London said the company needed to make it right with Mr. Shirley before there could be progress with the current project.

“I appreciate what you are doing in our community, but we have a resident that is suffered,” said London. “I personally visited his house. His siding is buckled and you can stand in his yard and feel the heat from the panels. You take care of Mr. Shirley and we’ll see where it goes from there.”

Stephens Co. Attorney Brian Ranck told the company that ultimately the responsibility falls on them.

“The board has taken action with regards to the request from United Renewable Energy, Inc., not the tenant. It is up to you to straighten it out,” he said.