Shane W Potter

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — A solar energy facility could be making its way to the township and surrounding areas in the next two to three years, according to supervisors in a Monday meeting.

Supervisor Paul Dickey said Leeward Renewable Energy met with the supervisors Dec. 6 to get a sense of the municipality’s ordinances in regard to the potential project.

“It was a meet-and-greet type thing. They can go back and make plans that they’ll then have to submit to us. This could be two or three years in the works,” he said.

The facility would be placed on Rennick Road in the township, and Dickey said the energy generated at the facility would be sold back to power companies.

Nearly 500 total acres are estimated to be used in Slippery Rock and Mercer townships and Liberty Township, Mercer County.

“That won’t all be covered in solar panels,” he said.

The solar panels used will follow the sun throughout the day, reducing the removal of trees from the area.

Dickey said the supervisors expected solar energy use to make its way to the township.

“We anticipated this and made an ordinance not long ago to accommodate solar companies,” he said “I hope we’re prepared for it.”