Welcome to the

Idlewild Clark County
Solar Project.

Solar energy has been a reliable, safe, and economical source of power for many decades. Across the United States millions of homes, businesses, schools, churches and farms have embraced solar energy to meet their energy needs. With our Idlewild Clark County Project, Orion Renewable Energy Group aims to work closely with the local community to build a long-term relationship with widespread benefits as we help meet the growing energy needs of the region.

Idlewild Clark County Solar Project

At a Glance

The Idlewild Solar Project is a solar power development spanning about 1,400 fenced acres in the northeast portion of Clark County, Indiana, generally east of New Washington. The project will generate enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes, and it will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy and become a significant contributor to the local tax base. Designed with long term sustainability of the land at its core, Idlewild Solar incorporates pollinator-friendly ground cover to support biodiversity and sheep grazing, promote water retention, and protect the soil and habitat for future generations. At the end of the project’s life, the solar equipment will be removed in accordance with Clark County’s required Decommissioning Plan and the land, having benefitted from years of soil and nutrient restoration, will be ready for the transition back to agriculture.

To ensure a natural vegetative screening and buffer from nearby roads and residences, the project will plant a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees blending into the surrounding landscape.

Orion is putting its 20+ years of experience working with Indiana communities into creating a project that will generate local jobs, support domestic manufacturing, help meet the region’s and nation’s growing energy demand, and strengthen community resilience through economic growth and diversification.

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Orion’s Solar Neighbor Program 

Orion believes that the benefits of a solar energy project should extend to the community surrounding the project, and not just to those directly involved. That’s why, in addition to compensating property owners leasing land for the solar project, we’re proud to offer annual payments to residents living nearby through our Orion Solar Neighbor Program. We want those living in close proximity to the project facilities to share in the benefits of the project. The Orion Solar Neighbor Program ensures that project neighbors experience direct financial benefits from the project. Interested in learning more and finding out if you qualify? Reach out to our Development Manager to hear more about the benefits this project brings to nearby residents.

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The Project created the Solar Neighbor Program for the benefit of neighboring residents who are not participating in the Project and whose residence exists when the Project starts construction and is either:

(a) within 1/3rd of a mile from the Project’s solar panels; or

(b) on a parcel adjoining or directly across a public road from the Project’s solar panels.

Under the program, the Project will make the following payments to the owners of such residences who opt to participate in the program:

  • Solar Neighbor Program Payments: $2,500 per year to the owner of each qualifying residence, such amount to increase by
    • 30% on the 10th anniversary of the Project’s commercial operation date,
    • an additional 30% on the 20th anniversary of the Project’s commercial operation date, and
    • an additional 30% on the 30th anniversary of the Project’s commercial operation date. 

The first Solar Neighbor Program payment will be made within 30 days after construction of the Project begins, and subsequent payments will be made annually so long as the Project is under construction or continues to operate. 

Community Benefits:

Orion has donated to local organizations and continues to work on long-term funding agreements with education, fire and community foundations.  These agreements will have no impact on the tax liability the project may incur in Clark County:

  • New Washington Fire and EMS-$12,000 for new updated infrared cameras in 2025 and $10,000 in 2024 and $50,000 per year for the life of the project with 30% increase every 10 years.
  • Greater Clark County School (GCCS) Educational Foundation-Initial donation of $5,000 in 2025. And $150,000 per year for the life of the project with 30% increase every 10 years.
  • Ivy Tech Foundation-$30,000 per year for the life of the project with 30% increase every 10 years.
  • Southern Indiana Community Foundation-$30,000 per year for the life of the project with 30% increase every 10 years.

Donations to local organizations:

  • New Washington High School Cheerleading, Basketball
  • Southern Indiana FC
  • Clark County 4H
  • North Clark Outreach Center

Orion Renewables is a

Community Partner 

The founders of Orion Renewable Energy Group have developed renewable energy projects since 1998. Orion projects generate enough electricity to power more than 2,500,000 homes across the United States. Currently operating Orion projects will pay more than $1 billion to landowners and more than $1 billion in property taxes over their operational lives. Furthermore, Orion believes in being a trusted partner in the community. We work with counties, school districts, local nonprofits, charitable organizations and other local organizations to identify and provide long term support for community needs.

A Few Good Reasons to Support Solar Energy in Clark County

Many farmers and landowners lease land to solar projects because the additional income they earn can be reinvested in their agricultural operations. The annual income that a solar lease provides to farmers is independent of year-to-year agricultural market fluctuations and can help to strengthen the finances of the family farm for future generations.

The solar industry creates thousands of high-paying Indiana jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. This project will support local Clark County businesses throughout construction and operations by spending and hiring locally. It also aligns with

the goals of the region’s utilities to add solar to their electricity generation portfolios to ensure an economical long-term energy supply.

Support for solar energy isn’t at the expense of support for other energy resources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear—it is an integral part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy that strengthens America’s position as a global energy leader and ensures that our country is well-positioned to meet the increased electricity demands and security needs of the future economy.

  • Large-Scale Solar Development

    Idlewild Solar spans over 1,400 fenced acres in Clark County, Indiana.

  • Economic & Community Benefits

    The project will contribute to sustainable energy and economic growth in the region.

  • Powering Homes

    Idlewild Solar will generate enough electricity to serve thousands of households.

  • Environmental Integration

    Features include pollinator-friendly ground cover, buffered landscaping, and a wildlife-friendly habitat.

  • Future Land Preservation

    The land will be preserved and improved for future agricultural use after the project ends.

  • Sustainable Decommissioning

    After 25–30 years, the facilities will be removed, and the land will be restored to agricultural use with its original topsoil.

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