Proposed solar farm would power about 1,200 homes, would be utility's largest

Green Mountain Power and a solar power firm are proposing to build the utility's largest solar farm, in eastern Vermont.

The utility and groSolar want to construct a 4.9-megawatt solar farm on 50 acres of open space just south of the Southeast State Correctional Facility in Windsor.

GMP spokeswoman Kristin Carlson says the solar arrays would generate enough electricity to power about 1,200 homes.

But town officials tell The Valley News (http://bit.ly/1CvgKAh) they want to know more about how the project fits in with a proposed management plan for land surrounding the prison. Additionally, birders have expressed concerns that open field habitats necessary for birds might be removed.

A complete proposal will be filed this summer, which will then be reviewed. Construction is planned for next summer.

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Information from: Lebanon Valley News, http://www.vnews.com