Permitting is underway for a large solar farm northeast of downtown Chiefland.

Levy Solar I, LLC looks to build a 74.9 megawatt solar farm off Highway 129 on 715 acres of land near Central Florida Electric Cooperative. The location is considered an “energy highway” because  of being adjacent to a main 69 kV transmission line and close to three power substations.Levy Solar I map

The public can learn more about the project by attending  an October 8 open house from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Tommy Usher Center in Chiefland.

The project brings with it an expected $90-million in capital investment over the 30-year lifespan of the project, with millions in tax revenue. It also presents the possibility of attracting industry that desires renewable energy sources.

The solar farm, which will feature about 220,000 panels 12-feet off the ground, is being developed by Kansas City, Missouri-based Savion, LLC and will be operated by Duke Energy.