Clear Path Energy LLC gives update regarding emergency response to Brewery Road project in New Bremen

LEWIS COUNTY- Authorities have provided an update to provide some more context into what happened this week when emergency responders were called out to a Lewis County solar project.

It was shortly after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday when Croghan and New Bremen Fire Departments were called out to one of the solar fields on Brewery Road, right next to Farney Lumber.

There was smoke originally reported to 9-1-1 dispatchers. According to an update provided by Clear Path Energy LLC, the company responsible for the solar panels in question, there was a “thermal event.”

Although investigators are still looking into an exact cause, officials said there was an issue with some of the load break disconnects.

Some damage was reported, but standby emergency systems worked properly and shut the entire site down.

The fire departments were called as a standard procedure, officials clarified.

Until a full assessment can be accomplished, the site remains de-energized, Clear Path Energy LLC said.

Image by Brian Trainor.