Frequently Asked Questions
How was the location chosen?
The project team analyzes property in certain regions that meet “ideal site” criteria. They then begin outreach to the private or public property owners to determine interest.
What makes an ideal solar site?
The ideal solar site has some of the following characteristics:
– The parcel is located in close proximity to a qualified electrical substation or electric transmission line
– Minimal slope and wetlands
– The parcel is not located within a flood plain or hazard zone
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels turn sunlight into direct current electricity. These panels are paired with inverters and transformers to convert the electricity and deliver it to the electrical grid. The electricity then passes through a transformer to ensure that the power is the appropriate voltage before it is sent to the electric grid so that it may power homes and businesses.
What will Hawthorn Solar do with the electricity generated?
The power produced from the solar project is injected directly into the electrical grid. Once the power has joined the grid, transmission and distribution lines deliver the power to the regional or local distribution lines that serve your community.
How long will Hawthorn Solar be in operation?
Projects similar to Hawthorn Solar are expected to efficiently generate electricity for more than 30 years.
What happens at the end of the project?
The project will be decommissioned at the end of its useful life, which is 30-40 years. At decommissioning, the solar farm will be disassembled, removed from the property, and the components will be repurposed.
Will the project make noise?
Solar panels do not produce noise, but the inverters that change the current of electricity can produce a slight hum. This hum is not perceptible more than 50 feet from the inverter. For this reason, solar projects are considered quiet neighbors.
How tall are the panels?
Solar panels can range in height from 7-12 feet high.
Will the panels be visible to neighbors?
We will strive to ensure that the project does not change the look or feel of the community. Solar arrays have a low profile, do not produce glare, and will be placed beyond a setback and vegetative buffer to shield the project.
Will the panels affect wildlife?
Solar farms do not pose a threat to wildlife. Wildlife studies are conducted as part of the development and permitting process. Trained experts study proposed sites to ensure that the development minimizes impact on wildlife. Solar project sites provide important habitats for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
What benefits will Hawthorn Solar produce for the community?
In most cases, solar projects are sited on agricultural land, which generates relatively little tax revenue. The change in use provides the area with a new, higher tax revenue source. Additionally, solar projects utilize minimal public infrastructure (water, sewer, emergency services, etc.) relative to commercial or residential development so the cost to the community is very low. Utility-scale solar projects create local construction jobs and increased business for local services such as hotels and restaurants. The solar projects also create a small number of long-term jobs for vegetation management and Operations and Maintenance of the facility.
How will my property value be affected as a neighbor?
Numerous local and national studies have shown that clean energy projects do not reduce nearby property values.
Sources
(1) https://www.seia.org/initiatives/solar-faq
(2) https://www.seia.org/initiatives/utility-scale-solar-power
(3) https://www.urbangridsolar.com/solar-energy-faq-14-frequently-asked-questions-about-utility-scale-solar/
(4) https://www.illinoissolar.org/FAQ-utility-community-large-scale-solar
(5) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/ohio-solar
(6) https://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/2019-12/Ohio.pdf
(7) https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/property-value_impacts_near_utility-scale_solar_installations.pdf
(8) https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Health-and-Safety-Impacts-of-SolarPhotovoltaics-PV.pdf
(9) https://www.nar.realtor/wind-farms#section-166053
(10)https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13192/Patricia-L-McGarr–Property-Value-ImpactStudy?bidId=
(11) http://www.co.kendall.il.us/wp-content/uploads/Attachment-29-Property-Value-Study.pdf