Question 1

Why do we need solar?

Accepted Answer

There is a growing demand for renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, because traditional sources of power are aging, reaching their end-of-life, and being decommissioned. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) plans the power grid for much of the Midwest. MISO estimates that demand for renewable energy will make up 30% of the market by 2030. Today, renewable energy in MISO only makes up 8%. In terms of megawatts (MW’s), the demand is expected to be about 69,000 MW but only 19,000MW is currently operational. The Kelso Solar project will help meet the increasing demand.

Question 2

How does solar energy work?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) modules turn sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. The panels are supported by a tracking sub- structure designed to follow the sun across the sky, and paired with inverters that convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC). The AC electricity passes through a transformer at the project substation to ensure it is at the appropriate voltage before being sent to the electric grid at an electric utility interconnection point. The AC power then enters the transmission grid, where it will be directed to places like homes and businesses.

Question 3

What is the operating life of a solar project?

Accepted Answer

Solar facilities have an expected life of 35 years. Solar panels will continue to produce energy past their warranty with slightly less efficiency over time. At the end of a project’s lifetime, the solar facility will either be fully decommissioned or repowered. If the facility is decommissioned, all the land will be returned to agricultural use at the landowner’s discretion.

Question 4

What is the decommissioning and solar disposal plan

Accepted Answer

It is standard practice to have a decommissioning plan and cost estimate before construction starts. In some cases, a letter of credit or bond is put in place to ensure the availability of future decommissioning costs. Up to 90% of the materials used in panels, are recyclable. Panels from the Kelso Solar Project will be properly recycled to minimize any panel material requiring disposal.

Question 5

Where will the power generated from the project go?

Accepted Answer

The electrical power produced by the Kelso Solar Project will be delivered into the local Ameren Electric Transmission grid, helping to diversify the state’s energy portfolio. Power generated by the Project will be used locally and transmitted to where it is needed based on demand.

Question 6

How big is a solar panel?

Accepted Answer

Kelso Solar will utilize First Solar Panels with a capacity of 535 watts per panel. Generally, panel sizes are approximately 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. The solar arrays are configured in blocks of panels. Once mounted on the racking, panels will be between 6 to 12 feet off the ground depending on the time of the day.

Question 7

Will the Project include pollinator-friendly grasses?

Accepted Answer

We intend to implement a vegetation management plan that includes planting of a native seed mix within the array area. A vegetation management plan will be finalized prior to construction.

Question 8

How will the project impact farmland and local agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Solar developments and agriculture are mutually beneficial to each other. Responsible solar development allows the highly eroded topsoil to rest for 35 years, which can improve soil health, minimize stormwater runoff, improve the quality of local surface water, reduce the use of groundwater aquifers, and help nurture an ecosystem where native species and pollinators thrive. For landowners, solar facilities help create a drought-resistant revenue stream. Steady income from solar leases means that farmers are less vulnerable to fluctuations in things like weather, crop yield, and crop prices. In addition to the security it brings, landowners or their children can return to farming on well rested land once the project is decommissioned.

Question 9

Will inclement weather damage the panels?

Accepted Answer

Solar Panels are capable of withstanding most harsh weather elements such as hail, ice buildup, snow load, torrential rain, and strong winds. As is the case with anything, there are exceptions that do occasionally occur. Studies, as well as actual catastrophic events such as hurricanes, have shown that solar panels are able to withstand harsh weather elements. In the unlikely event that the solar panels of Kelso Solar would receive storm damage, the Kelso Solar Project is fully insured and replacement of compromised panels would be initiated to reestablish full project operations as quickly as possible.

Question 10

Do solar panels pose any human health risks?

Accepted Answer

No. Solar panels do not pose health risks to people. Solar panels are comprised of glass and use very small quantities of other materials that are encased by protective materials inside the panel. Most solar panels generate lower electromagnetic field exposures than common household appliances such as TVs and cellular phones

Question 11

Do solar panels leach contaminants into the ground?

Accepted Answer

No. PV solar panels are designed to be fully encapsulated and built with solid, non-toxic, inert materials confined between tempered glass and industrial laminate. With no chemical liquids within the panels, in normal use and in instances when a panel fails or is structurally compromised, they do not leach contaminants.

Question 12

What is the fire risk of a solar project such as this?

Accepted Answer

The risk of fire in a large-scale solar project is incredibly low. The Kelso Solar Project will include sensors that are capable of detecting a fire that could be occurring in a specific section of the array. These sensors will immediately notify Operation and Maintenance team members, who then can power-down the array. The Project and its equipment will be operated and monitored 24/7 to ensure proper operation of the equipment and safety and welfare for the public. The Kelso Solar Project will have a safety and security plan that details fire protection and related education for local first responders. The Project will work with local fire and EMS departments to ensure their thorough understanding of the project’s low fire risk and proper response actions in the unlikely event of a fire.

Question 13

What happens when it is cloudy outside?

Accepted Answer

Due to significant advances in technology over the past decade, even on a cloudy day, The Kelso Solar Project panels will produce between 10% and 25% of their typical output.

Question 14

Are property values impacted by the facility?

Accepted Answer

Industry studies show that utility-scale solar power facilities economically benefit the community and generally do not decrease residential property resale values with thoughtful design, setbacks and visual/sound mitigation measures. The increase in tax revenue generated by the facility typically leads to stronger school funding, levelized taxes, the potential for better roads, stabilized funding for emergency services, and more.

Question 15

Do solar panels create glare?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels are designed to ensure minimal reflection. Any reflected light is lost energy; therefore, the panels are designed with anti-reflective coating to absorb the maximum amount of light. Further, the Kelso Solar Project tracking system which tracks the sun across the sky keeps the panels at a right angle to the sun, minimizing the potential for glare.

Question 16

Who is developing the projects?

Accepted Answer

Arevon: A leading renewable energy company. We provide commercial, financial, performance asset management, and construction services to nearly 10 GWac of utility-scale wind, solar and energy storage assets delivering clean energy to utilities and corporations.

Question 17

Who are demanding renewables?

Accepted Answer

Energy buyers, from retail consumers to commercial businesses are increasingly demanding carbon-free power for environmental as well as economic reasons. The price of solar panels and related equipment has dropped significantly over the past 15 years at the same time policies, like renewable portfolio standards, require a percentage of power to come from renewables.

Question 18

What are the regional benefits of solar?

Accepted Answer

Solar helps the electricgrid to:
·       Diversify and complement other technologies- wind generates at night, solar during the day.
·       Produce power during the day when demand is higher.

Question 19

Is farmland taken out of production for solar farms?

Accepted Answer

We enter into voluntary land leases with landowners for the useful life of the solar farm. The land's existing uses vary and include agricultural applications. The land, rested and restored, is returned to the landowner at the conclusion of the 35-year project life,at which time it can be returned to farmlandor other previoususe. Landowners typically find it is more economical to use their land for solar than for farming.

Question 20

What are the economic benefits of large-scale solar farms like Kelso?

Accepted Answer

·       The anticipated 349-megawatt (MW) Kelso Solar Project is expected to bring the following economic benefits to the region:
·       Property taxes in excess of $34.8 million total; $27.9 million of which will go to local schools. 
·       Employment of varying durations for approximately 440 people during the construction phase of the project.
·       A contribution of an estimated $63.2 million to Scott County’s GDP during construction with another $3.3 million per year during operations

Question 21

What is the timeline to get the project built?

Accepted Answer

It can take three to five years from project conception to completion, depending on local conditions and permits, utility requirements, financing, land availability and other development needs.

The Kelso project is on the following timeline:
·       Early 2021: Finalize local agreements.
·       Mid 2021: Initial engineering and permitting, local approvals. 
·       Mid 2024: Final approvals and agreements needed to begin construction.
·       Late 2024: Begin construction.
·       Early 2026: Start of operations

Question 22

Who will operate the project?

Accepted Answer

Arevon intends to own and manage operations of the project after development.

Question 23

What kind of education/training/background is needed for operations jobs?

Accepted Answer

Generally, solar projects contract with experienced solar O&M (operations and maintenance) providers who then hire local employees with backgrounds as technicians and electricians or similar expertise. Additionally, local companies are periodically retained to provide support services consisting mainly of vegetation management but may also include occasional janitorial or snow removal services.

Question 24

Will taxpayers have to fund specialized first responder training because of the project?

Accepted Answer

We will work with first responders to ensure they understand the project layout and receiveany supplemental training required by electrical generation projects, which is minimal.

Question 25

How many operators are needed and what is the average salary?

Accepted Answer

We anticipate there would be 10 operations employees, with average annual salaries of roughly $70,000. There may also be a need to hire through third-party contractors for seasonal work (mowing), specialized electrical work, etc.

Question 26

Are there any subsidies for solar?

Accepted Answer

There are certain federal tax incentives and grants that help make the economics of solar work. Tax credits help the economic viability of the project. At the local level, we review available incentives for large-scale commercial solar. Programs like Enterprise Zones and Renewable Portfolio Standards vary between and within states. The economic feasibility of a project will take into consideration all costs and incentives.

Question 27

What will you do for weed control?

Accepted Answer

Our vegetation management plan will include weed/vegetation control, primarily through mowing. Weed control is critical to solar projects as weeds can impede maintenance access and cause reduced generation from shading. There are vegetation options that include herbivore-friendly species such as alfalfa (depending on local restrictions).

Question 28

How will the project use the roads (i.e. number of trucks, weight of trucks)?

Accepted Answer

Prior to the start of construction, we will work with state and county agencies (as appropriate) to develop a detailed plan of the expected transportation routes, the number of trucks and maximum truck weights. The plan will also document the existing condition of the roadways.

Question 29

Who will operate the project?

Accepted Answer

Arevon intends to own and manage operations of the project after development.

Question 30

What kind on education/training/background is needed for operations jobs?

Accepted Answer

Generally, solar projects contract with experienced solar O&M (operations and maintenance) providers who then hire local employees with backgrounds as technicians and electricians or similar expertise. Additionally, local companies are periodically retained to provide support services consisting mainly of vegetation management but may also include occasional janitorial or snow removal services.

Question 31

Will taxpayers have to fund specialized first responder training because of the project?

Accepted Answer

We will work with first responders to ensure they understand the project layout and receive any supplemental training required by electrical generation projects, which are minimal.

Question 32

Who will construct the project?

Accepted Answer

An engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor will be hired. The EPC contractor performs design, completes engineering and manages construction of the plant. The EPC contractor also awards construction materials contracts and subcontracts for certain portionsof the work. We encourageour EPC contractors to use local contractors and vendors when possible.

Question 33

How do people get trained to work on solar installations?

Accepted Answer

Solar installation jobs require education and/or experience in solar, electrical, renewable energy, engineering technology or construction-related fields. Theremay also be certification exams available like the NorthAmerican Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. We will be relying on the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, who is not yet hired, to determine training and hiring requirements. We are open to working with local colleges and vocational programs to share information and possible opportunities.

Question 34

Will you have a job fair for construction workers?

Accepted Answer

We will hire an engineering, procurement and construction contractor for this project. This contractor manages the hiring and sub-contracting, but it is common to hold a job fair when entering a new solar PV market such as this. We encourage the use of local labor and local contractors as much as possible. As construction nears, we will make these opportunities known locally.

Question 35

Are there any setbacks?

Accepted Answer

Setbacks and other design requirements are evaluated during the permitting phase based on local ordinances.

Question 36

How do solar panels work?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels (or photovoltaic PV modules) turn sunlight into direct current DC) electricity. The panels are supported by a racking structure and paired with inverters that convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC). The AC electricity passes through a transformer to ensure it is at the appropriate voltage before being sent to the electric grid at a utility interconnection point.

Question 37

What are the health impacts of solar farms?

Accepted Answer

There are no proven health risks from solar fields, and homeowners commonly have solar panels installed on their residences. Infact, solar fields are known for having a positive benefit on air quality. Solar fields generate clean, renewable power with zero air emissions and often replace older and less-efficient fossil fuel-based sources of power with significant air emissions. A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that this corresponds to a lower risk of respiratory issues and heart attacks.

Solar fields are generally not associated with health risk from electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Humans are exposed to EMFs in their daily life, such as from a refrigerator. We will have operations employees at the solar farm, and their safety is a priority. You can read more about EMFs on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

Question 38

Do solar farms produce noise?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels do not produce noise, but the inverters that change the current of electricity from DC to AC do produce a slight hum that is not audible past the property boundaries. Solar projects are considered quiet neighbors.

Question 39

What type of fencing will there be? What other security will there be?

Accepted Answer

Chain-link or Game Fencing will be installed along the perimeter of the solar field. If there is a concern of vandalism, security cameras can be installed in strategic locations.

Question 40

What is the operating life of a solar farm?

Accepted Answer

Solar farms have an expected 35-yearlife, much of which is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. Solar panels can continue to produce energy past their warranty, though efficiencies may decrease. Once the panels are no longer efficient, the farm will be dismantled, upgraded or repowered, depending on terms of the land agreement, power needs and other market forces.

Question 41

Where do the panels come from?

Accepted Answer

Kelso Solar Project will procure the solar panels from a manufacturer within the United States.

Question 42

How well do panels perform amid dust (from farming or other operations)?

Accepted Answer

Dust does reduce the performance of the panels/modules. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to clean. In wet climates, dust is washed from panels by rain and snow. In drier climates, mechanical washing is performed.

Question 43

What is the impact on farm animals?

Accepted Answer

We anticipate little to no impact on farm animals. Fencing will be installed along the perimeter of the solar field to prevent farm animals from accessing the solar field.

Question 44

What is the visual/view shed impact of solar?

Accepted Answer

Large-scale solar spans many acres but is low to the ground, unlike wind turbines or the stacks and cooling towers at fossil fueled generating stations.

Question 45

Are there any subsidies for solar?

Accepted Answer

There are certain federal tax incentives and grants that help make the economics of solar work. Tax credits help the economic viability of the project. At the local level, we review available incentives for large-scale commercial solar.

Question 46

What will you do for weed control?

Accepted Answer

Our vegetation management plan will include weed/vegetation control, primarily through mowing. Weed control is critical to solar projects as weeds can impede maintenance access and cause reduced generation from shading. There are vegetation options that include herbivore-friendly species such as alfalfa (depending on local restrictions).

Question 47

How will the project use the roads (i.e. number of trucks, weight of trucks)?

Accepted Answer

Prior to the start of construction, we will work with state and county agencies (as appropriate) to develop a detailed plan of the expected transportation routes, the number of trucks and maximum truck weights. The plan will also document the existing condition of the roadways.

FAQs

Why do we need solar?

How does solar energy work?

What is the operating life of a solar project?

What is the decommissioning and solar disposal plan

Where will the power generated from the project go?

How big is a solar panel?

Will the Project include pollinator-friendly grasses?

How will the project impact farmland and local agriculture?

Will inclement weather damage the panels?

Do solar panels pose any human health risks?

Do solar panels leach contaminants into the ground?

What is the fire risk of a solar project such as this?

What happens when it is cloudy outside?

Are property values impacted by the facility?

Do solar panels create glare?

Who is developing the projects?

Who are demanding renewables?

What are the regional benefits of solar?

Is farmland taken out of production for solar farms?

What are the economic benefits of large-scale solar farms like Kelso?

What is the timeline to get the project built?

Who will operate the project?

What kind of education/training/background is needed for operations jobs?

Will taxpayers have to fund specialized first responder training because of the project?

How many operators are needed and what is the average salary?

Are there any subsidies for solar?

What will you do for weed control?

How will the project use the roads (i.e. number of trucks, weight of trucks)?

Who will operate the project?

What kind on education/training/background is needed for operations jobs?

Will taxpayers have to fund specialized first responder training because of the project?

Who will construct the project?

How do people get trained to work on solar installations?

Will you have a job fair for construction workers?

Are there any setbacks?

How do solar panels work?

What are the health impacts of solar farms?

Do solar farms produce noise?

What type of fencing will there be? What other security will there be?

What is the operating life of a solar farm?

Where do the panels come from?

How well do panels perform amid dust (from farming or other operations)?

What is the impact on farm animals?

What is the visual/view shed impact of solar?

Are there any subsidies for solar?

What will you do for weed control?

How will the project use the roads (i.e. number of trucks, weight of trucks)?