BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A utility company and a solar energy company in Montana have reached an agreement to launch a solar project large enough to power 4,900 homes.

The Billings Gazette reports that NorthWestern Energy has reached an agreement with Meadowlark Solar for a 150-acre (61-hectare) solar farm expected to come online in 2021.

The 20-megawatt, $18 million project west of the Billings Airport would be built as a Community Renewable Energy Project, a utility requirement under state law to encourage renewable energy use.

South Dakota-based NorthWestern says in a statement that the agreement hinges on approval from the Montana Public Service Commission.

The privately funded solar project would be the largest in Montana.

The cost of electricity generated by Meadowlark Solar will not be revealed for several weeks.

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Information from: The Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com

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