It’s simple – we “grow” energy from the sun. Solar farms are comprised of solar modules (a panel of photovoltaic cells) used to capture the sun’s energy in the form of solar radiation (DC power), and convert it into the electricity we use in our homes and offices daily (AC power). The solar modules (also referred to as solar panels) are mounted onto a steel racking structure or racking system. This structure is stabilized into the ground with either a driven pier system or ballasted block system. In addition to solar panels mounted on a racking structure, there is wiring and cabling that connects each row of panels to the inverters and transformers, which are connected directly into the power grid.
Do solar farms create noise?Solar farms create less noise than most air conditioning equipment (sound pressure levels around 60 dB), and the noise is concentrated where the inverter equipment is located. All other noise will be limited to the construction phase, which is no different than any other normal construction site. Once a solar farm is commissioned and placed into service (turned on), the system quietly harnesses the sun’s energy, making a solar farm and solar land lease the perfect neighbor.
The terms and conditions of a solar land lease agreement can vary substantially throughout the U.S., but in general they require a 2 to 3 year development or option period. During this time, you can continue to farm, or use your land as you see fit, as we rarely need to be on site. Site control, or a solar land lease agreement, is required to initiate a variety of site specific studies with the utility and county to ensure the project can be built in a safe and reliable manner.
Once we are done with our studies, have our permits and secured a power purchase agreement, it’s time to build the solar farm. When the project is built and given permission to operate (PTO) from the local authorities, the solar land lease (20-30 years) begins, initiating safe, secure and reliable income for property owners.
Solar farms have very few moving parts (sometimes none), require very little ongoing maintenance, and are built to last up to 40 years.
What happens when it’s time to remove the solar farm?When the solar land lease term ends, and it’s time to remove the system, Renewable Properties will decommission the equipment, and restore the land to its original condition. Thanks to a simple construction process, removing the equipment is a relatively easy exercise.
Yes. There’s been over 50 years of field experience with photovoltaic technologies producing energy from our most abundant natural resource — the sun. The power generated carries no emissions, and EMF levels at the perimeter of the solar array are generally no higher than environmental background levels.
Are there solar farm requirements?Unfortunately not all parcels of land and properties are created equal. Renewable Properties will perform a land assessment to determine if your property is suitable for a 1-20 MW size solar farm. Each state and utility load zone has their own set of requirements and restrictions that need to be taken into consideration when assessing land for a solar project. Proximity to a point of interconnection, topography, access, and the potential impact on the utility grid and natural habitat are just some of the project specific considerations.