Toyota invests in renewable energy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Automaker Toyota is partnering with developers for a 700-acre solar panel farm to be built on Bent Mountain, near Johns Creek in Pike County.

It’s a big investment by Toyota as it plans to purchase renewable energy generated by the solar panel farm, according to developers.

The farm will be built on a reclaimed strip mine, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

It is expected to consist of a half-million solar panels, according to developers.

Broadband will be installed in order for the panels to function.

The panels are expected to last around 35-years.

The project will create 200 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions.

Developers hope to employ and train out of work coal miners among others.

It’s estimated it will take a year and a half to build with construction beginning late this summer.

A more formal announcement of this partnership and project is expected at a later date.