FAQS

Numerous studies done by assessors, real estate groups, and industry experts confirm that solar projects have no negative impacts on property values.

Electrons flow to the closest loads, and the electric grid is highly interconnected between different utility companies and providers. The power will flow to the nearest connected loads, including Bannock County and the rest of Idaho.

There are no chemical or liquid discharges associated with the normal operation of the project other than water used for dust control during construction and panel cleaning during operation. In addition, the project will utilize industry-standard spill prevention, control and countermeasure plans to ensure no contamination of local soils or watersheds occurs.

After construction the project will be re-seeded with a blend of native grasses and forbs. Vegetation on site will be regularly maintained through a combination of mowing and/or grazing, and monitored for any erosion issues or invasive plants.

There is very little risk of a fire occur from the battery storage system. There have been numerous advancements in technology and regulations that have made today’s batteries much safer, including a variety of preventative and monitoring tools. In general, if a fire does occur any response is expected to be limited to containment.

During operations, the project equipment is not anticipated to produce noise that is perceptible at nearby residences. The primary sound is from the inverters, which run only during daylight hours and are rarely audible from more than 150 to 200 feet away, meaning they’re not audible at the solar facility’s fence line, much less at adjacent properties given the setbacks.

In general solar projects are best suited to less productive lands. Within our 2,400 acre project footprint, only one pivot, or 160 acres of farmland will be taken out of production.

Solar projects do not raise ambient temperatures outside of the project boundaries. The panels and surrounding air may get a few degrees hotter in the sun, but the effect is highly localized and will return to ambient temperatures at night with no sustained heat effect that is characteristic of “heat islands.”

During normal operation there is no risk of any chemical leakage from the batteries or PV site. Photovoltaic panels do not contain any liquid components. The battery, inverter and electrical equipment could include liquids for cooling such as ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) and non-toxic oils.