ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY?
Definitely! The change in the land use provides the locality with a new higher tax revenue source (solar projects are sited on land that generates relatively little tax revenue). Moreover, utility-scale solar projects create local construction jobs and increase demand for local businesses such as hotels and restaurants. Solar projects also create a number of long-term jobs for vegetation management, operations, and maintenance of the facility.
WILL I HAVE TIME TO HARVEST MY CROP?
Of course! We will provide you with notice to provide ample time to harvest crops, after which the lease will continue.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE LEASE IS UP? WILL YOU REMOVE THE
EQUIPMENT?
Yes! Not only will we remove the equipment, but unlike many other types of development, once decommissioned, the project area will be reseeded and ready for a new land use of your choice. We know how important the land is to many of our landowners and that is why we make sure there will be no limit to what you can do with the land after the solar project is removed.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE SYSTEM IF YOU GO OUT OF BUSINESS?
This is very unlikely; it is not how we operate, but just in case - we got you covered. As part of our lease agreement, we will issue a bond to you or the local government that can be called upon if this were to ever happen.
WHAT LIABILITES ARE THERE FOR ME FROM THE SOLAR PROJECT?
None! We will have our own insurance during the construction and throughout the project lifetime.
WHY CAN'T YOU COMMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ACRES NOW?
In order to finalize our project design, we have to do wetland delineation and other environmental and design studies. We also need to coordinate with the county, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the utility company, which happens at a later stage and can have effects on the project size.
WILL THERE BE ANY HARM TO THE SOIL?
No. To better protect the ground, solar panels are mounted on metal posts that go into the ground. They do not leach any chemicals or discharge any fluids. In addition, we will stabilize the ground with native grass and pollinator mixes that are beneficial to the soil and surrounding environment.
WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS TO GROUND WATER?
None. There are no chemicals leached or liquids discharged. In addition, we will work with the Department of Environmental Quality and the local governing body on our erosion and sediment control and stormwater permits to ensure best management practices during construction.
WILL THERE BE ANY STORMWATER RUNOFF?
Not only do our projects not increase runoff, they actually improve soil and water quality. Stormwater management plans are required as part of the solar development process. These plans are prepared by professional engineers to ensure that projects do not contribute to erosion or flooding.
WILL I SEE GLARE?
No. Vegetative buffers will restrict views of the solar arrays from outside the project boundaries.
WILL I HEAR NOISE?
No. The only components of the solar project that are not silent are inverters, but the noise they emit is comparable to a commercial HVAC unit. There is no noise heard beyond 100ft from an inverter and our design ensures that the inverters will be a sufficient distance from any residential property or dwelling. Also, the inverters are not active at night.
I DON'T WANT TO SEE THE PROJECT.
We hear you. We will use existing vegetation around the perimeter, where possible, for visual buffering. Where there is no vegetation, we will plan buffers to minimize visibility from public roads or residential properties.
HOW TALL ARE THE SOLAR FARMS?
The height varies based on soil, but usually they are not more than eight feet tall.
ARE THERE ANY THREATS TO WILDLIFE?
No! Solar farms do not pose any threat to wildlife. Wildlife studies are an important part of our development process — trained experts study proposed sites to ensure that utility-scale solar development reduces any impact to wildlife. Solar projects can also provide important habitats for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.