How noisy are solar projects?
Overall, noise emitted from solar farms is minimal. Panels do not emit noise as they produce electricity. Inverters are the primary source of noise at a solar projects, and there is only one inverter per approximately 5-10 acres of land within a solar project.
Studies have shown that noise generated by solar farms is not generally audible beyond the fence line. Another study showed that inverters approach background noise levels at 150 feet. Careful siting ensures that inverters are set back from homes, churches, or other receptors so that the minimal noise they produce does not affect neighbors.
How is farmland and soil impacted by solar projects?
During construction of the project, best management practices are implemented to ensure that topsoil is preserved for future agricultural use. This includes implementing erosion and sediment control measures that slow down the flow of water and prevent sediment from entering area waterbodies. Topsoil is carefully segregated from subsoil in areas that require grading or excavation to ensure it can be redistributed to assist in future vegetation establishment and maintain long term soil health.
As portions of a solar site are constructed, a dedicated team of restoration professionals plant perennial vegetation that will stabilize soils for the life of the project. These plants have deep root systems that help water to infiltrate into the site and improve soil organic matter over time. Allowing soil to rest can maintain soil quality and improve biodiversity of former agricultural land. Utilizing nitrogen fixers in seed mixes can further contribute to soil health. Additionally, solar farms are anticipated to take up less than 0.3% of all available farmland in the United States by 2030, and this land can be returned to agricultural use following decommissioning.
Should we be concerned about toxic chemicals or leaching at solar projects?
Commonly used solar panels utilize inert materials found at most building sites. These include materials such as silicon glass, aluminum, and copper. As there are no liquids or gases within panels, and they are encased in glass, there is limited risk of chemicals leaching into the environment during their operation. Additionally, studies modeling worst-case scenarios for metal leaching from broken or discarded solar panels indicate either no measurable increases in soil metal concentration or levels that are well below human health screening levels.
Panel recycling is rapidly evolving, as panels contain valuable materials at the end of their useful life. A leading United States solar panel manufacturer, has developed a program to accept and recycle used panels. Additionally, panels continue to produce electricity well beyond the anticipated life of a facility, and there will likely be a significant resale market for used solar panels in the future.
Will wildlife be impacted?
With proper siting, impacts to wildlife species from solar projects is minimal. DESRI makes an effort to site projects on previously disturbed lands that avoid sensitive areas whenever possible. This may include siting projects on previously disturbed agricultural lands, planted monocultural forests designed for industrial scale harvest, or developing on “brownfield” sites such as former reclaimed open mines. Additionally, implementation of perennial vegetation beneath panels can provide a new source of habitat for pollinator species and increased biodiversity as compared to the previous use. It is standard industry practice to consult with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate project impacts to threatened and endangered species. This process ensures that protective measures are implemented on an as-needed basis to protect these species from harm.
Of note, the Audubon society “strongly supports properly sited photovoltaic solar power that avoids, minimizes, or mitigates impacts to birds and their habitat.” They recognize the importance of adopting carbon-free sources of electricity to protect wildlife species over the long term.
What will a project in my neighborhood mean for my property value?
When comparing property values before and after the construction of solar projects across the country, values of properties are not impacted following the construction of the projects. A paired sales analysis of 82 sales from projects in Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana over a period of 6 years showed “no consistent negative impact that could be attributed to proximity to the adjacent solar farm.”
What about glare?
While some solar systems use mirrors to concentrate solar energy, that is a different solar technology than what is proposed for DESRI projects. Solar PV modules are designed to absorb as much of the sun’s rays as possible to maximize the amount of energy that can be produced. Additionally, PV modules are installed at airports throughout the country and are generally less reflective than windows. The FAA has even relaxed regulations in recent years making it easier for airports to install solar arrays.
How are the projects decommissioned?
Local, state, and federal governments have learned hard lessons from other industries, which are often more intrusive and permanent on the landscape, and for which removal is difficult and costly. Comparatively, from the beginning, solar is engineered and constructed so that it can be removed at the end of its life with the land converted back to pre-construction conditions.
The project owner is responsible for equipment removal at the end of the project. Project leases for landowners participating in a solar project dictate that financial assurance be implemented to remove the project at the end of its life. This agreement contractually commits the project to remove equipment from the leased land at that time.