The 250-million-dollar solar farm spanning over 1,100 acres, owned by Lightsource BP, is set to create 188 megawatts of energy. The company’s massive unveiling of the property set for Monday was abruptly cancelled.
The solar farm, which lies just outside of New Carlisle, is just entering commercial operation. It’s a private business and sits on a local family farm where sheep can be seen grazing throughout the solar panels.
The farm is set to produce 188 megawatts of energy. To put that perspective, just one megawatt can power about 190 homes. The farm’s power production will power more than 35,000 homes.
Monday’s unveiling was set to take attendees on a tour of the solar farm. The unveiling was to begin just after noon, but was abruptly cancelled due to a “security issue.”
Lightsource BP’s marketing and communications managerJulia Poska told WSBT: “Local authorities alerted us of an issue. We can’t take risks.”
After contacting the St. Joseph County Police Department, legal advisor Troy Warner said there was an issue with a former employee on the property.
“County Police were called out to Honeysuckle solar about 8:20 am for assistance with a hostile former employee. Officers issued the individual a no-trespass order and he then the site left without any issues,” saidWarner.
Attendees Monday were to include State officials, along with officials from Lightsource BP, Inovateus, the local electrical union, and other project partners.
The security threat comes amid local resistance to solar farms, including the farm planned for outside of North Liberty.
Officials with Lightsource BP said the unveiling will be rescheduled later.
Read More: Solar project opening cancelled over security concerns