The news, announced by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, comes as American Electric Power (AEP), New Harvest Ventures and Agile Energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enter into a 20-year purchase agreement for the facilitys power.
Pending approval of incentives to be provided by state and local governments, two Spanish solar power component manufacturers, Prius Energy S.L. and Isofoton, have reportedly agreed to open new manufacturing facilities in Ohio to help construct the 239,400 panel solar array.
It has been said that approximately 300 jobs will be needed to build the project at peak construction. In addition, Prius and Isofoton have agreed to locate their North American operations in Ohio, creating more than 300 permanent manufacturing jobs.
Last week, Governor Strickland signed an executive order eliminating Ohio's tangible personal property tax and real property tax for advanced and renewable energy project facilities, making it easier for energy companies to do business and create jobs in Ohio.
In 2008, Strickland signed a landmark energy reform bill, SB 221 that calls for 25 percent of all energy consumed by Ohioans to come from advanced energy sources by 2025. Of that, 0.5 percent must be solar energy.
We recognized the future when we established our states aggressive renewable portfolio standard, invested in the energy industry and eliminated taxes for new energy facilities to create jobs and grow Ohios advanced energy industry, said Governor Strickland.
Today, the future has recognized Ohio. One of the largest solar farms in the nation is going to be built here in Ohio, with solar panels and solar trackers made in Ohio, built by Ohioans with the know-how taught in Ohio colleges.
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