AMERICUS, Ga. - Some residents are opposing a $500 million solar farm in southwest Georgia that would be one of the nation's largest.
WALB-TV reports Sumter County commissioners held a hearing Tuesday on whether to grant zoning approvals for Americus Solar LLC. The company is a subsidiary of Chicago-based Invinergy.
Some opponents say the solar farm will hurt property values, harm wildlife and take too much land away from farming uses. The company would cover much of 9,700 acres in solar panels, although it says it's still evaluating how big a solar farm to build.
The company says it will pay $35 million in yearly property taxes and employ 500 people during construction.