Winston Solar Project PUD
Description
A 400-megawatt solar facility with 780,000 panels, battery storage, substation, and power lines on 2,374 acres, approved after commissioners demanded a 1,980-foot highway setback instead of the requested 1,320.
Impact summary
The county could see $85 million over 20 years, but residents worry about battery fires, glare, agricultural land loss, and a Highway 95A already near capacity — the outcome now waits on NDOT.
Applicant
- Name
- Winston FC Solar, LLC / EDF Power Solutions North America
- Address
- Mason Valley, north of Yerington (APNs 014-091-13,15,16,17,22; 014-201-14,17,18,32,33,35)
At a glance
- Hearings
- 2
- Public comments
- 15
- Total mentions
- 2
Last vote · County Commission
Last discussed Mar 5, 2026.
Meeting timeline (2)
Board of County Commissioners - Mar 5, 2026
A 400-megawatt solar facility with 780,000 panels, battery storage, substation, and power lines on 2,374 acres, approved after commissioners demanded a 1,980-foot highway setback instead of the requested 1,320.
Board of County Commissioners - Jan 5, 2026
A 400-megawatt solar array with ~780,000 panels, battery storage, substation, and transmission lines on ~2,374 acres. Tabled up to 90 days while NDOT reviews the traffic study and setback questions get worked out.
Related issues (3)
U.S. 95A and S.R. 208 safety
A new state grant pays for crossing signs at OHV accident hotspots and free helmets handed out with the Sheriff's Office.
Winston Solar PUD setback amendment and Monarch transmission corridor
Commissioners voted 4-1 to let the Winston solar project move arrays 660 feet closer to Highway 95A to make room for a Monarch data center easement. Critics say the county keeps rewriting its own ordinances and lacks traffic, wildlife, and aviation studies; supporters say it keeps transmission lines away from Penrose Lane homes.
Lux Solar Project expansion in Wabuska
The solar farm expansion needs big reductions from new setback rules to stay hidden behind existing panels. One commissioner voted no both times, and a resident raised concerns about Chinese-made panels and land swaps.
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