Ohio chambers tour North America’s largest solar manufacturer and discuss the future of solar in their communities

In light of $18 billion economic investment on the line in the state with utility scale solar development, Ohio chamber of commerce and economic development leaders are eager to learn how they can support this opportunity in their counties.   Many of these chamber leaders and other economic leaders gathered recently at First Solar in Perrysburg, the largest solar module manufacturer in the Western hemisphere to participate in a conversation on how to best navigate conflict with utility-scale solar development.  State Representative Jim Hoops, Chair of Ohio House Public Utilities Committee welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of Ohio expanding its energy generation stating, “We need to diversify our state’s energy portfolio. Diversifying is so important, especially solar and wind for peak usage.” Regarding Senate Bill 52’s provision to allow county commissioners to ban renewable energy development, Rep. Hoops urged attendees, “The most important thing chamber and economic development leaders can do is go to your commissioners and recommend to them to take it slow and not make any rash, sudden decisions. Encourage them to take their time and to keep your county open to the possibility of solar. Counties may never get this opportunity again.”

Following the representative’s remarks, chamber directors took part in a private tour of First Solar, and heard about its plans to add another 700 jobs via a $680 million expansion, with the addition of a third plant in Perrysburg. It is worth noting that First Solar has invested more than $2 billion in their Ohio facilities. Closing out the day, attendees participated in a robust, roundtable discussion about the issues with utility scale solar development in their communities. Topics covered included: Top myths and misinformation about utility scale solar Solar opposition organizations’ tactics to spread misinformation and to influence community leaders Best practices for chambers and economic development directors to lead their board and community in support of solar development. Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitated the forum. He shared that, “When there’s conflict surrounding any kind of development, it can be a tough issue for chambers to engage in. However, focusing on the chamber’s mission will help guide chamber staff, their board of directors and legislative committees to not waver in their efforts to support business growth in their communities.” If you’re a chamber of commerce or economic development leader with utility scale solar in your community, or proposed to come, and would like to learn more about the topics covered at this forum, contact Brian Dicken, IOM here. Here are additional resources: Ohio Utility Solar Economic Development Impact and SB 52  Ohio Clean Energy Jobs and Economic Impact Ohio Utility Scale Solar: Power for Ohio Ohio Power Siting Board Map of Utility Scale Solar Projects

If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Susan Munroe.

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