RENO, NV - The Washoe County Commission has voted to approved a large solar energy project proposed by Vidler Water Company on up to 1,000 acres north of Reno.

Project backers say construction could start next year and be phased in over the next 10 to 15 years.

The proposed 100-megawatt farm would be among the largest in the nation, officials said.

Vidler bought the Fish Springs Ranch in 2000 for its water rights and built a pipeline to the north valleys outside Reno for development. But when the housing market collapsed, so did interest from developers in buying those water rights.

Donald Pattalock, Vidler vice president, said establishing a solar farm at the ranch would not require water and would help recoup the company's investment in the 2,670-acre ranch 40 miles north of Reno.

The first phase would cost about $75 million and cover 200 acres next to the Fort Sage power substation. Vidler built the station to provide electricity to pump water.

The solar farm would be about six miles from U.S. 395 but not visible from the highway, Pattalock said.

He said private partners would help finance the project and be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as each phase is completed.

The project now goes to regional planners.