Solar Explained
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So, how does solar work?
Solar Panel Technology: Photovoltaics (PV)
Photovoltaics is a technology used to convert sunlight to electricity. Solar PV panels will be used and designed to achieve optimal energy production on Sculpin Solar. A number of solar cells electrically connected to each other and mounted in a support structure or frame is called a photovoltaic (PV) module. Multiple modules can be wired together to form an array. Photovoltaic modules and arrays produce direct-current (DC) electricity
Inverters: Converting The Electricity
Inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, aligning it with the utility grid’s voltage and frequency requirements, allowing it to be efficiently added to the grid and used in residential and commercial settings.
Transformers & Collector Systems
To deliver the power, the electricity generated is collected on-site using underground cables and sent to the project substation. Here, the electricity is brought together and fed into the grid through existing large power lines. The substation also includes a transformer that increases the electricity's voltage to match what the grid’s transmission lines use.
Solar Panel Efficiency Management
To ensure optimal performance, solar panels undergo regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections to maintain efficiency. Advanced monitoring systems detect operational faults early, while automatic tracking technologies adjust the panels’ angles to optimize sunlight exposure and also help shed snow, preventing accumulation that can block sunlight and reduce efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens when a land lease expires or project ownership changes?
There is a contractual obligation by a solar farm owner to maintain the solar system and facilitate its removal at the end of the lease or lifetime of the plant. If the project’s ownership should change during the term of the lease, the new owners will assume the same contractual obligations of maintenance and removal.
Additionally, solar panels retain value as scrap materials after their useful life, which significantly offsets the cost of their removal. Many communities now set specific decommissioning and financial standards to ensure the successful removal of a project after it ceases operation.
Are solar farms harmful to the
environment?
Solar farms are an environmentally friendly energy solution, producing clean power without emitting harmful gases or pollutants. They operate virtually silently and have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Additionally, when a solar farm is decommissioned, virtually all components, including solar panels, inverters, and mounting systems, can be recycled. This ensures that the materials are reused and reduces waste. The technology used in solar farms does not involve any toxic substances, making them a safe and sustainable choice for generating electricity.
Do solar farms generate a lot of noise?
Solar farms are known for their exceptionally low noise output, making them unobtrusive neighbors. The primary sound from a solar farm comes from the inverters, which convert direct current (DC) from the solar panels into alternating current (AC). These inverters emit only a faint humming noise, which typically cannot be heard from the facility’s perimeter.
Additionally, solar farms equipped with tracking systems that adjust the panels to follow the sun, these mechanisms operate almost silently. The gentle movement of the trackers and the low hum of the inverters ensure that the solar farm's noise impact on its surroundings is negligible, preserving the tranquility of the area.
How do solar farms look?
RWE understands that aesthetic preferences vary, and while we appreciate the sleek appearance of our solar panels, we recognize that they may not appeal to everyone. To address this, we often use vegetative screening—rows of trees, shrubs, or other plants strategically placed to create a natural barrier around the solar farm. These screens help blend the facility into its surroundings, providing a visual buffer that enhances privacy and softens the view for neighboring residential properties.
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The land beneath and around the solar panels is kept natural, helping to support the soil and its ecosystem. This area can be planted with low-maintenance grasses or flowering plants, providing important habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies. In some cases, solar projects also explore options like sharing the space for grazing animals or small-scale farming. By keeping the ground natural and encouraging biodiversity, solar farms can positively impact the environment and the local community.
Do solar farms generate reflectivity and glare issues?
Solar panels are specifically designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it, which is why their reflectivity is extremely low. To further reduce any minimal reflection, they are coated with an anti-reflective layer, ensuring they capture as much sunlight as possible to generate energy efficiently.
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Even on sunny days, a driver passing by will not be blinded by sunlight reflecting off the panels. Similarly, nearby neighbors will not experience glare or reflections from the system. Solar farms are engineered with these considerations in mind, ensuring they integrate safely and seamlessly into their surroundings without causing visual disturbances.
What is the impact on property prices and taxes?
Several experienced land appraisers have studied the impact of solar farms using a method called matched pair analysis. This is a textbook method used by appraisers for measuring the effects of proposed developments. Their conclusion is that solar farms do not negatively affect property values. We invite a certified property appraiser to most of our public hearings to help further explain his research and analysis and answer any related questions.
In addition to having no negative impact on property values, solar farms provide a significant financial benefit to the counties and communities where they are located. By supporting strong schools and well-funded public safety services through tax dollars, this project can play a role in boosting property values in the community.
Will this project create jobs?
This project is anticipated to create between 100 and 200 construction and manufacturing jobs, providing employment opportunities for the county.
Is solar a good investment?
Investments in solar projects significantly stimulate the economy, extending benefits beyond mere energy production. In North Carolina, for instance, the solar sector has attracted a remarkable $6.7 billion, demonstrating the region's commitment to renewable energy and its positive economic impact. Across the United States, the investment totals an impressive $43 billion in the solar industry.
Investment into solar is not limited to traditional energy investors. Banks, retirement funds, and other institutional investors are increasingly putting their money into solar energy. This trend is fueled by the proven and secure nature of solar technology, which offers reliable returns with lower risk compared to traditional real estate and other property investments.
Did RWE use “eminent domain” land for Sculpin?
This project is a private development initiative and does not involve the use of eminent domain. We prioritize a respectful and transparent approach in all our interactions, working directly with each of our participating landowners to develop mutually agreeable contract terms.
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At the end of the project, we are committed to responsibly dismantling the project and restoring the land to a condition suitable for farming.
Is solar expensive?
In recent years, the cost to install large-scale solar panels has consistently dropped. For example, these costs decreased by 8% in 2023 alone, totaling a 75% reduction since 2010. Experts predict these costs will keep falling each year through 2035.
Utility-scale solar is now the leading source of new power in the United States, having overtaken other energy types in 2021. This shows how important solar energy has become in our energy mix.