FAQs

What impact, if any, does a solar project have on the safety of residents, children, and the environment?: Through design and intelligent siting, glint and glare can be eliminated or kept to a minimum. Panels are made of solid materials and do not pose a chemical hazard to the general public, underlying soil, or groundwater. Additionally, the site is fenced with locked gates. Signage at the site alerts that it is a generation site and access is prohibited.

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Electric - Solar Power Plants

1. Will the solar panels generate electricity during cloudy, rainy, or snowy days? What about at night?: While sunny days are best for solar production, solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy, rainy and snowy days. Solar panels do not generate electricity at night.

2. Will solar panels produce the same amount of electricity all year long?: Solar panel production fluctuates with production being the highest during the sunniest times of the day and year.

3. Will the residents' home power be connected to solar plants?: The solar facility is connected to the electric grid, not directly to residents’ homes. The power produced by the solar plant will become part of the energy supply to the electric grid, which supplies power to residents’ homes.

4. Will having the solar park located in my community lower my electricity bill?: The solar parks located in Wadsworth provide on-peak energy, as well as transmission cost savings by being connected directly to the City’s electric system. The energy from the solar projects represent about 6% of the City’s overall energy needs and have minimal impact on the City’s overall wholesale rates.

5. Will there be an increase in the electricity bill to help pay for the plants?: The solar parks located in Wadsworth provide on-peak energy, as well as transmission cost savings by being connected directly to the City’s electric system. The energy from the solar projects represent about 6% of the City’s overall energy needs and have minimal impact on the City’s overall wholesale rates.

6. Will the panels cause glare that would reflect on nearby public roads and housing?: Solar panels are constructed with non-reflective coatings designed specifically to absorb as much sunlight as possible in order to maximize electrical generation, rather than reflect sunlight.

7. How do solar projects impact nearby property values?: There is no evidence to indicate a solar project will impact neighboring property values. A 2018 study by Cohn and Resnick, a Chicago-based firm that specializes in property valuation, looked at home sales in proximity to six solar farms in Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota. It found no measurable impact on property values adjacent to solar farms. Other studies reached similar conclusions: A study conducted across Illinois determined that the value of properties within one mile increased by an average of 2% after the installation of a solar farm. An examination of five counties in Indiana indicated that upon completion of a solar farm, properties within two miles were an average 2% more valuable compared to their value prior to installation. An appraisal study spanning from North Carolina to Tennessee shows that properties adjoining solar farms match the value of similar properties that do not adjoin solar farms within 1%. Importantly, a solar project brings numerous economic benefits to a community, including the potential for millions of dollars in additional tax revenue (or payments in lieu of taxes) which can be used to enhance schools, roads and essential services – enhancing both the quality of life and overall value of the community. Solar projects can deliver these economic benefits without making additional demands or impact on community services.

8. Will pesticides be used to keep vegetation down around the solar panels and mold off of panels?: Pesticides, if used, will be managed in accordance to local and state regulations.

9. What impact, if any, does a solar project have on the safety of residents, children, and the environment?: Through design and intelligent siting, glint and glare can be eliminated or kept to a minimum. Panels are made of solid materials and do not pose a chemical hazard to the general public, underlying soil, or groundwater. Additionally, the site is fenced with locked gates. Signage at the site alerts that it is a generation site and access is prohibited.

10. What is the lifespan of the panels?: Modern solar projects are designed to operate for at least 25-30 years, during which time they are carefully managed and maintained.

11. What happens at the end of a solar plant’s life, during the decommissioning stage?: Decommissioning is the process of removing all elements of a solar project and returning the land to its original condition – e.g., agriculture or grazing. As the project reaches the end of life, in many cases aging solar panels are replaced with newer, more efficient technology to extend their useful lives. However, should there no longer be a demand for the project after 25-30 years, it will be decommissioned. Our development contract indicates that our project partner, NextEra Energy Resources, will decommission the project at their expense,