A proposed 1,400-acre solar farm north of Amarillo has sparked concerns among local homeowners about potential impacts on property values and the rural character of their neighborhoods. The Oneida 2 Solar Project, submitted by Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, is one of several new generation projects the utility plans to construct across Texas and New Mexico.
The project would be situated near West Cherry Avenue in Potter County, covering a significant portion of land between Western Street, Broadway Drive, and Loop 335. According to filings with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), the facility would have a generating capacity of 254 megawatts and include a collector substation to tie the solar energy into the regional power grid.
SPS’s filing, under Docket No. 58664, represents part of a broader $10 billion investment in eight “Self-Build Projects” in the region. While the filing provides details about the project’s scope and location, it does not address potential impacts on property values, local tax rates, or other community concerns.
Homeowners Voice Concerns
Local residents have expressed unease about how the project could affect their property and daily lives. Taylor Brewster, a homeowner in the area, described the emotional and financial stress of potentially living next to a large solar installation.
"How do you sell a home that goes from this view to a backyard of solar panels and glare and fences and electrical wires? People don't want that. I don't want that. I wouldn't want to buy a home that had that. So I'm concerned about what to do if this comes in? Is this going to be my permanent home forever?" Brewster said.
Similarly, Terry Petigo, another local resident, spoke about the challenges of seeking guidance from local officials.
"Talk to one of the commissioners, he said, we really don't have any power to tell somebody they can't build that there unless we're giving them tax benefits. So somebody can sell their land to whomever, and whomever can put what they want on it. They're out in the country, which kind of surprised us. And we're like, well, what do you do? Because in many people, their homes are their biggest investment or one of the biggest investments," Petigo said.
Both residents highlighted frustrations with the notification process from Xcel Energy. Brewster noted that the utility’s instructions for opposing the project seemed unclear or incomplete.
"Which is frustrating too, because they have told us when I called that we need about 10% of the area to fight against it, and they'll most likely go away. But how can 10% fight it when they haven't even notified 10%?" Brewster said.
Xcel Energy Responds
In response, an Xcel Energy spokesperson explained that the recent CCN (Certificate of Convenience and Necessity) filing with the PUC constitutes the first formal public notification for landowners.
"The CCN filing is our first public notification to landowners. There is a chance notices might still be in the mail, as they were sent late last week. We haven’t had the opportunity to host landowner meetings yet, but we will in the near future. We will have plenty of time to engage with landowners, have conversations, and answer questions about the proposed project. We value our landowners’ engagement, and that’s why we send notices out," the spokesperson said.
While SPS emphasizes that the filing is an initial step and that landowners will have opportunities to engage, residents remain concerned about timing, transparency, and the potential consequences for property values.
For many residents, their homes represent one of their most significant investments, making the prospect of a large solar farm nearby a source of financial and emotional concern.
Community Implications
Large-scale solar developments can bring both benefits and drawbacks to rural communities. On one hand, solar farms contribute to renewable energy generation, support grid stability, and can create temporary construction jobs. On the other hand, they may change the visual landscape, affect property values, and raise questions about land use planning and local oversight.
The Oneida 2 Solar Project, by covering 1,400 acres, would transform a considerable portion of land north of Amarillo. While supporters of renewable energy projects often highlight the environmental benefits and long-term contributions to sustainable energy goals, nearby homeowners frequently weigh these against immediate economic and aesthetic concerns.
The issue of property values is particularly salient. While research on the impact of solar farms on property prices is mixed, the perception among residents is that a large-scale solar installation could deter potential buyers. In areas where homes are a primary source of wealth, this concern can generate strong opposition, even if empirical studies suggest minimal effects.
Participation and Public Input
Landowners and residents who wish to voice opinions or formally intervene in the project filing can do so through the PUC. The current deadline for submitting comments or requests to intervene is November 10, 2025. Engagement at this stage is crucial, as the PUC process involves review of environmental, technical, and community impact factors.
Xcel Energy has indicated plans to host landowner meetings and engage in further dialogue, suggesting that additional information and clarifications will be provided in the coming months. Residents like Brewster and Petigo are closely monitoring these developments and encourage neighbors to stay informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Next Steps
As it stands, the Oneida 2 Solar Project is in its early stages. Key factors that will shape its development include community feedback, regulatory review, land acquisition agreements, and logistical planning for construction and grid integration. The project reflects broader trends in Texas and the Southwest, where utilities are investing billions in renewable energy infrastructure to meet growing energy demands and renewable portfolio standards.
For local homeowners, the focus remains on preserving property values, maintaining rural aesthetics, and ensuring that community voices are heard in the planning process. With the PUC deadline approaching, residents and landowners are encouraged to review project filings and participate in formal comment opportunities.
The conversation surrounding the Oneida 2 Solar Project illustrates a common tension in energy development: balancing projects with the immediate concerns of those living closest to proposed infrastructure.
As the project moves forward, Potter County residents will continue to weigh the potential benefits against the personal and financial stakes of having a major solar facility in their backyard. How these concerns are addressed could set a precedent for other communities navigating similar challenges in the state’s growing renewable energy landscape.
