Two New Solar Farms Are Coming To Stillwater County

Montana Is Getting New Solar Farms, But Who Gets the Power?

Thousands of acres of land in Montana are about to become solar farms, but here's the part that might upset some people: almost none of the electricity will actually stay in Montana.

According to KTVQ two new solar projects are planned for Stillwater County, and together they'll cover roughly 2,400 acres.

Montana Is Building Solar Farms For Power Used In Washington

Puget Sound Energy is looking to build the Battle Butte Solar project near Rapelje. Once completed, the project will cover about 1,200 acres, with construction potentially beginning as early as September.

But like I mentioned, the electricity generated here won't be staying here.

It will be sent to Puget Sound Energy customers in Washington, where the state has requirements for renewable energy.

And this isn't the only solar project in the area. Another 1,200-acre project is also in the planning stages.

Florida-based NextEra Energy has proposed the Four Sisters Solar and Battery project west of Highway 306, with county officials expecting the project to be permitted by the end of the year.

Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash

Montana Solar Projects Bring Money, But Raise Questions

So why is Montana getting the solar farms if Washington is getting the electricity?

For Stillwater County, it's about the money.

Roger Webb, a Stillwater County commissioner, says the projects represent a significant investment and should create a new source of tax revenue.

For residents of the county, this isn't exactly anything new. They're already home to the Beaver Creek Wind Farm and Stillwater Wind.

Still, this feels like one of those situations where not everyone is going to be happy.

Some see it as a win for the local economy, while others may not think it's right to use Montana land and resources to generate power for people in another state.