About The Project

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Idlewild Highlights

  • 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, sheep grazing, 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.

CommunityBenefits

Community Benefits:
Orion has donated to local organizations and has signed 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 $100,000 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.
  • Community Foundation of Southern Indiana - $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’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.

Learn More

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. 

Idlewild Projected Timeline

2026

Apply for Local Permitting

Late 2028

Finalization of Construction

Early 2029

Construction starts

Early 2030

Commencement of Site

Learn More About Orion

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