South Central Public Power District with headquarters in Nelson is currently negotiating with ISI Solar of Central City with regard to the proposed construction of a 1-megawatt solar farm to be located in Clay County’s Saronville area.

Word of this development comes about a month after the Clay County board adopted solar-specific zoning regulations.

Wayne Williams, owner of Interconnection Systems Inc., met with the Clay County commissioners last week to discuss the project.

The proposed development would be located on nine acres at the corner of Highway 6 and Spur 18-G and feature 3,300 solar panels on fixed axis racks.

While the farm has a 40-year life expectancy, the proposed contract with South Central for the purchase of power would cover 15 of those years.

Craig Cox, manager of the power district, said South Central was interested only if the price would save the district members money.

The proposed solar farm would interconnect into the existing South Central grid at the Saronville substation.

If built, Clay County could expect to receive about $3,500 per year in nameplate tax incentive. Target date to begin operation is May of 2021.