Smart Growth Solar
in Lewis County

Information for Landowners
Information for Developers

Why are we talking about solar?

Solar companies are actively seeking incentives for proposed projects in Lewis County.

Lewis County currently has over 2,800 acres of proposed development.

Agricultural land has high economic value in our community and is our largest industry.
We can welcome renewable energy while protecting our largest industry at the same time.
Encouraging smart, thoughtful and planned solar development for our communities.

Our Intent for Embracing Solar

Preserve Agriculture

  • Preserve our largest industry and best agricultural land.
  • 12% of all land in Lewis County is cropland.
  • Agricultural lands are "easier" to develop because they are generally large, flat, undeveloped lots.
  • Our best agricultural land is worth more to us—we want
    developers to "think twice" about pursuing prime ag lands.

Better Incentives for Use of Low Quality Land

Providing better incentives for use of low quality land is necessary to preserve long-term viability of our agriculture industry

Keep Landowners' Rights, Their Rights

If developers want to develop on prime agricultural land, they can still come to an agreement with a land owner - they will receive less of an incentive because that land is worth more to our economy

Lewis County Solar Projects

Upcoming Public Hearings

Click an event for more details.

There are no up-coming events

Information for Landowners

Smart Growth Solar Webinar Series

Helpful Documents

Information for Developers

Lewis County IDA PILOT Program

Universal Tax Exemption Policy Quick Facts

  • PILOTS start at $7,500 per megawatt for the use of actively farmed, prime agricultural land
  • Developers will receive a more attractive incentive for the use of other types of farmland, such as prime or prime-if drained farmland
  • Developers will also receive a more attractive incentive for utilizing land that is NOT actively being farmed within the past 18 months

What you should know about this PILOT program:

  • We are providing better incentives for use of low quality land to preserve long-term viability of our agricultural industry
  • This program keeps landowner rights, their rights
  • If developers want to develop on prime agricultural land, they can still come to an agreement with the landowner – they will receive less of an incentive because that land is worth more to our economy
  • On average, Lewis County IDA PILOT process takes 5 months from receipt of complete application

Helpful Documents