Teton County contributed $250,000 toward a shared solar energy facility in Jackson. The solar farm was approved by the town council this past August. Instead of individuals and business buying their own panels, customers will buy solar power from the plant.

The chair of the Teton County Board of County Commissioners, Mark Newcomb, said the farm will help alleviate pressure from their main source of energy: hydropower.

“If we use too much electricity, our electricity provider has to shop on another tier for electricity,” said Newcomb.  “And that electricity costs more and is generated by other means.”

He said solar would be popular with the rest of the state if it helped reduce electricity bills. This is the first shared solar energy facility in the state.