How Do Solar Projects Get Permitted?

In Ohio, projects over 50 MW in size are permitted by the Ohio Power Siting Board which is a government entity that is part of the Public Utility Commission of Ohio. Recently, the State of Ohio passed a law referred to as Senate Bill 52, which adds a greater degree of local control to the Ohio Power Siting Board process.

The OPSB permitting process has a high degree of local involvement built into the 9 - 12 month timeline. Projects have extensive noticing requirements, are required to have an informative website during permitting, and hold a local information meeting. Under Senate Bill 52, a township trustee and county commissioner are included in the OPSB vote on whether the project in their jurisdiction is approved or denied.

For a Project to advance through permitting and have a shot at approval, it complete rigorous studies and meet the statutory criteria governing the OPSB process. Local input from area residents, elected officials, and organizations weigh heavily in this decision.