Vectren has selected a site in Spencer County for a 50-megawatt solar farm.
In a news release, the Evansville-based utility company announced it has selected First Solar Incorporated to build the solar array in Troy.
Vectren said the array will be situated on about 300 acres and will consist of about 150,000 solar panels.
The array will be mounted on a single-axis tracking system, which enables the panels to automatically pivot to enhance energy generation as the sun’s rays move across the surface of the Earth.
Vectren said construction will begin after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission authorizes the project.
That decision is expected in the first half of next year.
Vectren said the facility should be fully operational in the fall of 2020, and is expected to generate enough power to meet the needs of more than 11,000 households per year.
The project is part of Vectren’s long-term plans, which also include a natural gas plant in Posey County.
Environmental advocates oppose the plant.
Sierra Club spokeswoman Wendy Bredhold said it could crowd out the need for more investments in renewable energy for 40 to 50 years.