As construction approaches for the Grant Solar Project in McCook County, project representatives recently hosted a community open house
Held in Canistota to share information with local landowners and neighbors.
SoDak Renewables Executive Director Rodger Horr attended the Grant Solar Project open house in Canistota with Trevor Jones of Geronimo Power.
Grant Solar is a 99-megawatt solar energy project planned for McCook County. The open house gave nearby landowners and community members an opportunity to learn more about the project’s construction process, expected timeline, and what to expect as work begins.
The event reflected an important part of successful energy development: early communication with the local community. Open houses like this give residents a chance to ask questions, better understand site activity, and connect directly with project representatives before construction ramps up.
Grant Solar is being developed by Geronimo Power, a renewable energy company with a portfolio of solar, wind, and energy storage projects across the country. The Canistota open house was intended to give neighbors a venue to learn more about the project and engage directly with the development team.
SoDak Renewables Executive Director Rodger Horr also attended the open house. “Projects like Grant Solar show why community engagement matters,” Horr said. “When developers take the time to meet with local residents early, answer questions, and share clear information, it helps build confidence in how renewable energy projects move forward.”
For SoDak Renewables, this kind of local engagement matters. Renewable energy projects are not only about generation capacity — they are also about how projects are introduced, explained, and integrated into the communities where they are built. Clear communication, local participation, and strong community relationships help lay the groundwork for long-term success.
As South Dakota continues to diversify its energy mix, projects like Grant Solar highlight the growing role solar can play in supporting local investment, strengthening rural communities, and expanding the state’s renewable energy future. They also contribute to a broader local tax base that helps support schools, roads, and other essential public services.