Franklin Public Utilities District is looking at partnering with an energy company to develop a solar farm near Connell.

The up to 80-acre farm could be up and running in 2026.

Palouse Junction Solar LLC, a subsidiary of OneEnergy Development LLC, recently submitted plans to the state to determine if the project would have an environmental impact. The proposed Franklin County solar farm would be located along Nordheim Road, east of Connell.

The farm would be built on two parcels, totaling 140.6 acres, about a mile east of Connell, according to the plans submitted to the state.

The property is owned by Neal Smick LLC and Neal Smick Trust. Up to 80 acres of the property would be used for the solar facility, which would be fenced off. 

The project would connect to Franklin PUD’s Blanton Substation, 0.8 miles west of the site. A conditional use permit is required to build a solar facility on this land. 

PUD power purchase

Franklin PUD’s general manager/CEO was authorized to execute a power purchase agreement and small renewable generation interconnection with Palouse Junction Solar LLC in an August 2024 commission meeting. 

The PUD has a need for additional power sources to support its growing loads, according to a summary in the PUD’s agenda packet for that meeting. Solar energy is one cost-effective option that helps meet mandated clean-energy compliance requirements.

“The developer is working on finalizing the requests for permits with the proper local agencies. Solar energy presents unique opportunities for Franklin PUD to provide carbon compliant generation that complements our local irrigation load.  We look for all opportunities to enhance our resources in a cost-effective way to better serve our customers,” said Franklin PUD’s power manager, Brian Johnson, in a statement. 

The PUD won’t own any of the solar panels, according to PUD documents, and it will only purchase the energy produced. The project would provide the PUD with about 2 MW to 2.5 MW of additional power resources in the summer months when loads increase. 

The solar panels would not be more than 15 feet tall at full tilt, and while they would be visible along Nordheim Road, they would not be very visible from other public roadways and residences, according to state documents.

“Palouse Junction Solar reflects OneEnergy Renewables’ commitment to advancing clean energy solutions that support communities. The proposed project will enable dual land use opportunities for area landowners, generate tax revenue for Franklin County, and create jobs for the local construction workforce while providing a reliable supply of clean, affordable energy for years to come,” said Erin Lynch, project manager at OneEnergy, in a statement.

Dual land use means finding complementary uses for the land, like sheep grazing or pollinator habitat planting.

Project timeline 

OneEnergy submitted a permit application to Franklin County in November 2024, and the company has been working closely with Franklin PUD, the city of Connell and other local stakeholders, Lynch said in an email to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.

The proposed timeline outlined in the state paperwork included a six- to eight-month construction period beginning in January 2026 and a 30-year operations period with a possible 10-year extension.

Lynch said that the project would be developed, designed and constructed over the next two to three years, in cooperation with Franklin PUD and local stakeholders.

“We have been working closely with community stakeholders and look forward to continuing to collect feedback as the permitting process moves forward,” Lynch said in a statement.

A hearing at a regular meeting of the Franklin County Planning Commission will be scheduled for the project but a date has not yet been set.