Question 1

What does it take to get a project built? What is the project dependent on?

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 Hayward project is on the following timeline:
Early 2021: Finalizing land transactions and reviewing permitting requirements
Mid 2021: Initial engineering layout and environmental review; local approvals (including public meeting)
2022: Final approvals and agreements needed to begin construction
2022: Begin construction
2023: Operational

Question 2

Why do we need solar?

Accepted Answer

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) that plans the Midwest's power grid projects that demand for renewable energy in the wholesale market in 2030, based on existing commitments of utilities, corporations and public policy goals, will reach 30% of total energy. As of December 2019, renewable energy in MISO stands at 8%. Of the 69,000 MW required to meet this demand, only 19,000 MW are currently operating, leaving a 50,000 MW gap. (Source)

Question 3

Who is demanding renewables?

Accepted Answer

Energy buyers, from retail consumers to commercial businesses, as well as governments 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 come from renewables. In Minnesota, the 'One Path to Clean Energy" measure would make electric utilities switch to 100% carbon-free resources by 2050.

Question 4

What are the regional benefits of solar?

Accepted Answer

Solar helps the electric grid to:

Diversify and complement other technologies- wind generates at night, solar during the day
Produce power during the day when demand is higher
Reduce fuel costs and risks

Question 5

How are landowners compensated?

Accepted Answer

Arevon is committed to open and transparent relationships with landowners. We have a standard lease that provides the same terms to all landowners within the project footprint.

Question 6

Does the solar farm affect property values?

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 returned to farmland or other previous uses. Landowners typically find it is more economical to use their land for solar than for farming. A January 2021 study conducted by Strategic Economic Research, LLC reports that, in Freeborn County:

The price of corn would need to rise to $12.72 per bushel, or yields would need to rise to 410.2 bushels per acre, by the year 2052 for corn farming to generation more income for the landowner and local community than the solar lease. At the time of study, corn prices were $3.26 with yields of 186.7 per acre.
The price of soybeans would need to rise to $40.66 per bushel, or yields would need to rise to 137.8 bushels per acre, by the year 2052 for soybean farming to generate more income for the landowner and local community than the solar lease. Soybean prices were $8.29 per bushel and yields were 49.9 bushels per acre at the time of the study.
Between 1992 and 2017, the acreage used for farming has fluctuated between 366,534 and nearly 395,000. The temporary use of the acres for the Hayward Solar Project represents just 0.30% of acres currently used for farming in the County and would be well within the normal fluctuations for this period.

Question 7

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 returned to farmland or other previous use. Landowners typically find it is more economical to use their land for solar than for farming.

Question 8

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 portions of the work. We encourage our EPC contractors to use local contractors and vendors when possible.

Question 9

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. There may also be certification exams available like the North American 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 10

How many construction jobs are created?

Accepted Answer

There are several factors that contribute to the quantity of construction staff, including schedule constraints, weather, and skill level of the local labor force. Projects of this size have been shown to create employment opportunities for over 200 people during construction.

Question 11

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 12

Are there any setbacks?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Do you have an interconnect agreement and where is the point of interconnect?

Accepted Answer

Each project is in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) interconnect queue and it being evaluated to connect to the nearest viable interconnect point. A technical and economically feasible interconnection is critical to project success.

Question 14

Who will buy the solar power? Can I buy solar?

Accepted Answer

We are seeking power purchase agreements with utilities or other large offtakers capable of buying most or all of the generation. We can not sell directly to retail customers, but you may have the opportunity to purchase solar energy through your local utility.

Question 15

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 16

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.

In fact, 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 17

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 18

Do solar farms cause glare?

Accepted Answer

For optimal power generation, solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it. Glint/glare studies can be performed to assess potential impact. Further, it is common for airports to install solar arrays for power generation, without experiencing glare issues.

Question 19

What are the health impacts of solar projects?

Accepted Answer

There are no proven health risks from solar fields, and homeowners commonly have solar panels installed on their residences.

In fact, 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 risks 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 20

Do solar fields impact Doppler radar?

Accepted Answer

Doppler radar works through the interpretation of data received from radar signals that have returned to the sending station after being reflected by an object in the path of the beam. Some of the things that can interfere with this beam to create a false positive interpretation include dense bird populations, adverse atmospheric conditions and smoke plumes. Tall structures such as trees or buildings within the sight line of the sending position are described as a growing problem by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

We anticipate the maximum height of the solar panels used at our projects will be no more than 12 feet above the ground and the perimeter security fence will be approximately 8 feet high. Because the radar towers are elevated to avoid signal interference from topography (minimum height of the NEXRAD towers is 32.8 feet in height), it is not anticipated that there would be any impact to radar services due to the development of our projects.

The projects have been sited in close proximity to existing transmission infrastructure, which minimizes the need for new infrastructure to connect the projects to the electrical grid and the installation of any facilities that would have the potential to impact radar signals.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

Chain-link 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 22

How big is a solar panel?

Accepted Answer

The exact technology for this project has not yet been selected. Generally, sizes range from around 3 feet to up to 7 feet. The arrays are configured in blocks or groups of panels. Once mounted on the rack, panels can range in height from 8 to 15 feet high.

Question 23

Will the project only generate when it is sunny? Is there storage?

Accepted Answer

Solar projects can only generate by converting sunlight to electricity. The Midwest has daytime peak hours that are well-suited for solar. While some of our sites pair solar with storage resources, storage is not currently planned for this location.

Question 24

What is the operating life of a solar farm?

Accepted Answer

Solar farms have an expected 35-year life, 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 25

Where do the panels come from?

Accepted Answer

The exact technology and supplier for this project has not yet been selected. The decision will be made based on quality and cost (including trade and tariff considerations). There are ample manufacturers to choose from domestically and internationally (see map here).

Question 26

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 27

Are there any toxins in solar panels that could leech into the land/water?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels do not consist of any liquids; therefore, if one were to be damaged, there would be no risk of contaminants spilling on the ground. The project will utilize solar panels composed of monocrystalline solar cells sandwiched between glass with a metal frame.

Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s established tests demonstrate solar modules do not leach toxins into the environment.

Our project will be continuously maintained and monitored to ensure operations remain safe and environmentally sound. If a solar panel is damaged, the maintenance team will remove it and replace it.

Question 28

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 29

What is the impact on wildlife?

Accepted Answer

We have environmental experts conducting an environmental analysis to understand any impacts on wildlife. Solar projects have been known to provide habitat for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies from project landscaping and ground cover.

Local and state jurisdictions often require studies to be performed to assess the impact to certain species of wildlife, such as rare, threatened, or endangered species study. Other impacts are assessed in an environmental site assessment.

Question 30

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. The perimeter of the solar field may be landscaped to minimize visibility.

Question 31

Will the project cause light pollution at night?

Accepted Answer

Outside of nighttime lighting needed for safety and security, the project will have minimal lighting and should not cause light pollution. No lighting is required for FAA standards like you may see with wind projects.

Question 32

Do panels impact TV reception?

Accepted Answer

Solar generation facilities do not cause impacts to over-the-air (OTA) digital TV reception. Unlike wind turbines that can potentially cause signal scattering due to the turbines and blades and their siting relative to TV stations and receptors, solar facilities have a much lower profile and do not affect the OTA signals.

Question 33

Do you know where all the drain tiles are and what are your plans in case you break one?

Accepted Answer

If maps are available, we will take tile locations into design consideration and attempt to minimize damage. If drain tiles are damaged by the project, we will fix them. It is in our best interest to minimize and/or repair damage as standing water is not desired.

Question 34

Will there be a drainage plan?

Accepted Answer

The project will have a drainage plan, as well as a storm water pollution prevention plan.

Question 35

Will there be trees or bushes to help with viewshed?

Accepted Answer

Compared to other sources of power, solar fields are low to the ground and, as a result, have minimal visual impacts.

Question 36

Will you use pollinator friendly grasses?

Accepted Answer

We intend to put a vegetation management plan in place that relies, to the extent possible, on local flora that potentially maintains the current vegetation and is pollinator friendly. There are vegetation options that include herbivore-friendly species such as alfalfa (depending on local restrictions).

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 38

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 39

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 40

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 41

Who will operate the project?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 42

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 43

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 44

What is the decommissioning and solar disposal plan?

Accepted Answer

It is standard practice to have a decommissioning plan and cost estimate prior to the start of construction. In some cases, a letter of credit or bond is put in place to ensure the availability of future decommissioning costs.

Question 45

Who is developing the projects?

Accepted Answer

Two highly experienced companies with a track record of success are developing these projects:

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. Arevon and Tenaska are developing 8,000 MW of solar in the United States, including five projects in southern Indiana.
Tenaska – Omaha, Nebraska-based energy company with extensive experience developing energy projects in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. Tenaska has developed 10,500 MW, including 550 MW of renewables.

Arevon and Tenaska are developing 8,000 MW of solar in the United States, including the Hayward Solar Project.

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