One of the top 10 stories from Miami County last year was the completion of the Osawatomie solar array. A ribbon cutting October 29th for a new solar array in Osawatomie’s northland kicked off a new era of energy generation for the community. The solar array was built thanks to a partnership between the City of Osawatomie and Evergy Energy Partners. Osawatomie officials began working with Evergy in 2021, with a formal agreement being approved in early 2022. Osawatomie City Council members approved a land lease with Evergy in July 2023 and a special-use permit for the solar array in September 2023.
Solar panels cover about 40 acres of land on the property, which was previously given to the City of Osawatomie by the state of Kansas for use toward large-scale economic development. Osawatomie City Manager, Bret Glendening says the solar array can generate 5 megawatts of electricity. Osawatomie’s average use is 3 to 5 megawatts. The solar array will help power the Osawatomie State Hospital, across the street, and it will lead to a more “brighter and sustainable future” for the community.
