Luther College solar energy expansion gets Planning & Zoning Commission approval

The existing solar array on Pole Line Road

A proposal to expand the existing solar energy farm near Luther College and to create a new array of solar panels has won the approval of the Decorah Planning & Zoning Commission.

Plans call for a 392 foot by 268 foot facility of 16 solar panel arrays on land owned by Luther College just northwest of the existing solar arrays.  Additional solar arrays would also be added to the north of the existing arrays.

The approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission Monday night was not without opposition, however.  Commission member Brian Cook said he had "a really big problem" with the expansion, which he called "out of control" and termed visual pollution.  "It's getting to be a problem out there," complained Cook.  Commission member Lynne Sootheran voted in favor of the expansion, but added a requirement for landscaping in front of the facility.

The site plan for the solar panel expansion passed 4-2, with Cook and fellow Commission member Stan Moeller voting against.